AI Helps Prevent Tail Biting in Pigs
nederland, vrijdag, 15 augustus 2025.
An innovative project called ‘AI for a Healthy Curl Tail’ uses artificial intelligence, data from stables and slaughterhouses, and farmer expertise to prevent tail biting in pigs. By combining various measurements such as stable climate, behaviour, and slaughter data, researchers hope to develop predictive models that alert pig farmers when the risk of tail biting increases. This initiative aims to improve animal welfare and the efficiency of pig farming.
Unique Collaboration for Animal Welfare
The ‘AI for a Healthy Curl Tail’ project is a collaboration between Connecting Agri & Food, Vion Food Group, Utrecht University, and Vision Partners, in partnership with six specialised pig farms [1]. What makes the project unique is the linking of data from two different phases: on the farm and in the slaughterhouse. On the farm, sensors are used to continuously measure the stable climate, light intensity, sound, and feeding, drinking, and activity patterns of the pigs [2]. In the slaughterhouse, Vision Partners and Vion Food Group are developing a system that automatically analyses carcass tails for signs of tail biting [1].
Advanced Monitoring and Prediction
By combining the datasets, researchers hope not only to better understand the causes of tail biting but also to develop predictive models. The goal is to ultimately create a preventive warning system that alerts pig farmers when the risk of tail biting increases [1]. This system will help farmers keep pigs with long tails in the future, which is a significant step towards improving animal welfare [2].
Diverse Measurements for a Comprehensive View
To achieve a monitoring system, various measurements from birth to slaughter are tracked. The scoring of the condition of the curl tails, stable climate, pig behaviour, and feeding and drinking behaviour are recorded using a smart camera system. Sound and light intensity in lux are also measured. All these data are eventually combined with slaughter data and tail length and damage at the slaughter line [2].
Automatic Alerts for Quick Action
The pig farmer can receive automatic alerts via the smart stable dashboard when deviations in measurements are detected. The participating pig farmers are also involved in Vion’s ‘Stopping Tail Docking Under Supervision’ project. As a result, the pig farmers only need to collect tail scores once. Ultimately, the goal is to develop an affordable monitoring system for practical use [2].
Benefits and Challenges
This innovation could represent a significant step forward in preventing tail biting and reducing the need for tail docking, according to a veterinary expert [3]. However, there remains uncertainty about the long-term impact of this AI solution on the health and welfare of pigs. Therefore, further research is being conducted to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of the system [3].