ADAS, together with industry professionals and a Veterinary Animal Health Officer, are to hold 10 early evening workshops (7 pm to 9.30 pm) with refreshments from early February which are free to all producers, unit staff and members of the wider pig industry. The workshops are sponsored by Defra.
Losses caused through tail biting can include carcase condemnation, increased morbidity and mortality, higher costs of treatment and labour, euthanasia of affected pigs, reduced growth rate and poor feed efficiency. Tail biting is thought to develop out of a complex interaction of several contributory factors, some not under the producer's control. This makes it extremely difficult to control or eradicate the vice once it appears.
Besides focusing on the many trigger factors for tail biting, each speaker will highlight a case study where an eradication programme has been successful. For example, findings from the BPEX-funded S.T.O.P project will be discussed by Nina Taylor of Bristol University.
The workshops will close with an interactive session where the audience are encouraged to quiz the “tail biting panel” on how any existing vice problems on their units might be resolved.
If you are interested in attending please contact Georgie Fomes on 01354 697200 or email georgie.fomes@adas.co.uk
2nd February 2010 Devon Hotel, Exeter
3rd February 2010 The Thatched Cottage, Somerset
4th February 2010 Trethorn Leisure Centre, Cornwall
9th February 2010 Uncle Henrys, Grayingham - Lincs
10th February 2010 The Crown, Boroughbridge – N. Yorks
11th February 2010 Driffield Rugby Club, E. Yorks
23rd February 2010 Premier Inn, Daventry
24th February 2010 The Bear, Hodnet
2nd March 2010 Easton college, Norwich
3rd March 2010 Brome Grange, Near Eye, Suffolk
All meetings will be PIPR registered.
For more information see http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/welfare/advice/adas0910.htm