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Camera system could alert farmers to tail biting
Tail biting occurs unpredictably and can spread rapidly through the litter.
Researchers developing technology into early warning system

A camera-based system to identify signs of tail biting in pigs could help farmers prevent outbreaks, according to new research.

Writing in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers show that pigs hold their tails down and close to their body when tail biting is about to begin. In a series of experiments, researchers placed 3D cameras above feeders to automatically measure when the pigs’ tails were up and curly, or held down. 

The study was conducted using 23 groups of
pigs that were regularly scored for signs of injury to their tail. Researchers monitored the pigs closely and put a stop to the tail biting as soon as they detected an outbreak.

Tail biting is a financially devastating problem, of which there is no single cause. Elements of the pig’s genetics, nutrition, environment and management are all thought to contribute to its spread.

When an outbreak of tail biting occurs, it does so unpredictably and can spread rapidly through the litter. Tail docking was once used as a measure to control the disease, however this is no longer seen as an acceptable solution.

“Tail docking of piglets is partly effective at reducing tail biting in later life, but is seen as an undesirable mutilation and its routine use is banned in the EU,” explained lead author Dr Rick D’Eath from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

“This research has achieved everything we hoped for. We can automatically measure tail posture, and we’ve proved it can act as an early warning of tail biting. The challenge for us now is to develop this promising technology into a robust on-farm early warning system that works on any pig farm.”

The concept is now set to be developed into a project called “TailTech” funded by Innovate UK. The project will gather data from more diverse pig farms and develop and test a prototype early warning system.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.