We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Examination of the full medical picture of young wild boars in comparison to domesticated rearing pigs with regard to the behavioural disorder tail biting in pigs (Pumba)
Project
Project code: 28N201000
Contract period: 10.11.2020
- 10.05.2022
Budget: 32,306 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Keywords: husbandry techniques, precision livestock farming, prevention, pigs, animal husbandry, animal welfare, wildlife
Tail biting is a common but severe issue in pig husbandry. The causes are multifactorial and up to date not fully understood. One cause that is permanently discussed is the health status. Potentially, subclinical findings are involved in the pathogenesis of this behavioural disorder. However, the question arises, which subclinical findings are important and which might also just be normal. Hence, in the present study, a comparison to the wild form is chosen, in which tail biting has not been observed. If specific subclinical medical findings are also observed in wild boars without tail biting, then it is likely that this medical finding has no link to tail biting. This comparison is necessary to understand the role of the health status in the pathogenesis of tail biting. Moreover, this project in general allows a detailed overview about the current health status in the wild boar population. Young wild boars are hunted within the normal hunting practice. Directly after the hunt, the hunter collects blood and fecal samples. The animals are then transported to the Institute for Pathology of the school of veterinary medicine in Hannover. Here, a detailed pathological examination including pathohistology is carried out. During all steps, necessary precaution is taken to prevent a potential spreading of african swine fever. Routinely, the animals are tested amongst others for african swine fever at the institute for pathology. After the pathological examination, specific organ samples are further analysed: blood samples are analysed for a detailled hemogram and the immunoglobulin content, microbita are analysed, parasitic diagnosis is carried out, the structure of the brain is analysed via MRI and histologically, the adrenal glands are weighted and the liqor is analysed for serotonine content. These results are compared to findings in domesticated pigs with a link to the behavioural disorder tail biting to verify which medical findings have a link and which are to be interpreted as normal. Thereby, findings can be interpreted as normal, i.e. not linked to tail biting if they also appear in wild boars as, in wild boars, tail biting does not occur.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
