Aggression and cannibalism in pigs are phenomena that can lead to serious losses in the herd. Every breeder should be familiar with the causes of cannibalism and the methods of preventing such problems.
Aggression in animals is common and is not always a cause for concern. The problem arises when there are sharp fights between individuals from the herd, which result in body damage associated with biting ears, tails or biting sides. In such a situation, the breeder must react if he does not want to suffer serious losses.
Occasionally, one of the pigs will kill the other and consume its flesh. This is pathological behavior that should be prevented. To do this, it is worth determining the causes of cannibalism among animals.
Cannibalism in pigs – what does it result from?
Aggressive behavior among animals can have various causes. The most common cause is behavioral disorders resulting from the living conditions of the pigs. Among the causes of cannibalism, we can distinguish:
- Stress and poor environmental conditions – Poor hygiene, lack of proper nutrition and nutrient deficiencies can lead to increased stress in a pig herd. In such conditions, cannibalism may occur as a result of pathological behavior related to frustration and incorrect adaptation to the environment;
- deficiencies in the diet – deficiencies of protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids can cause cannibalistic behavior in pigs;
- injuries and diseases – injuries such as abrasions, wounds, skin lesions or skin diseases can trigger aggressive behavior in a pig herd, which can lead to cannibalism. Injured or sick pigs are often more vulnerable to attacks from others in the herd;
- dominant behavior and hierarchy in the herd – there is a natural social hierarchy in a pig herd, and stronger individuals may attack weaker and subordinate pigs.
Tail and ear biting in pigs – how to prevent it?
Aggression and cannibalism among pigs are associated with serious losses for the farmer. Pigs that fight are more physically tired and less resistant to various kinds of diseases. To prevent aggression among pigs, act as soon as possible and take appropriate steps, such as:
- removal of an aggressive individual from the pen;
- reduction of pen stocking and age differentiation;
- providing pigs with appropriate living conditions;
- improving the diet of pigs;
- making time for the pigs;
- the use of products for biting pigs’ tails, disinfectants that disinfect wounds.
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