Tail Biting and Other Vices

Garth Pig Stockmanship Standards

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A Check List of Possible Causes

Discomfort Syndromes
	Area Of Concern	Comment
1	Check stocking density
2	Check tail length, in particular variability
3	Check feed particle size (target > 500 ?m) which can lead to gastric ulcers and stress
4	Ensure feed mycotoxins are kept to a minimum
5	Check salt (NaCl) concentration in feed. If a problem increase to 0.9%. Check water supplies
6	Check for evidence of a draught at pig heights (draught air speed > 50 feet/ min or 0.2 m/sec)
7	Check air quality (target - NH₃ < 20 ppm, H₂S < 10 ppm and CO₂ < 3000 ppm)
8	Check humidity (target between 50 and 60%)
9	Check light intensity and hours on and off.
10	Check water supplies
11	Check feeder space availability
12	Check 24 hour temperature fluctuations

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Extracted from Garth Pig Stockmanship Standards*
written by Dr John Carr.

You can buy this book HERE
*Published by 5M Enterprises Limited