Bar biting
Bar biting is a behavioral disorder in pigs that often occurs in pig production with sows in the crate . Bar biting refers to biting the bars of the pen or the front border of the crate. Under certain circumstances, the behavior disorder can develop into a stereotype .
One of the causes is a lack of employment opportunities and a lack of activity material in the mostly litter-free keeping, which is why the animals occupy themselves with the few activities possible at all, such as bar biting. A restrictive amount of food is also seen as a cause. This is supported by the fact that bar biting often occurs after, but also shortly before and during feeding.
The disturbance can be prevented with measures for a more species-appropriate keeping , for example by offering manipulable objects such as straw and soft chewing wood or by a more varied keeping environment.
Other behavioral disorders in pigs due to similar causes include grieving , chewing empty, and weaving. Animal rights organizations such as the Albert Schweitzer Foundation for our fellow world criticize that the disturbances in factory farming are accepted for higher productivity.
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b Barbara Kamphues: Comparison of housing options for the individual housing of suckling sows with special consideration of the effects on animal behavior and economic efficiency. 2004, p. 71 , accessed December 10, 2015 .
- ↑ a b c d Pig breeding and pork production. Recommendations for practice. Wilfried Brade, Gerhard Flachowsky, 2006, p. 111 , accessed on December 10, 2015 .
- ↑ Factory farming - pigs. Avoidability and demands. Albert Schweitzer Foundation for Our Environment, accessed on December 10, 2015 .