After several years of debate about animal welfare and practical challenges on farms, it has now become a reality: Danish pig producers will be able to receive DKK 50 in compensation per pig produced with an intact tail.
The scheme has just been launched following a tender round and interest has been high. According to the Danish Agriculture & Food Council’s Pig Sector, there have already been commitments for 500,00 additional pigs with intact tails. The aim is to reach 1 million by 2026 and 4 million by 2028.
“We have high expectations that the scheme will be a success. That so many producers have shown an interest shows that the industry is taking responsibility and is ready to handle the challenges,” says H.C Gæmelke, Chairman of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council’s Pig Sector.
From pilot project to a comprehensive effort
The number of pigs with intact tails is set to double over the next three years, which means that by 2028, four million Danish pigs will be produced with intact tails. This is a sub-goal of the Danish pig industry’s Vision 2050. The first goal is 1 million with intact tails by 2026. Many pig producers and piglet suppliers have taken part in the trial project, 'a joint effort to preserve intact tails' to see whether preventing tail docking is realistic.
According to DAFC project manager, Niels-Peder Nielsen, the overall assessment is ultimately a question of management. He confirms that care and focus on monitoring are particularly important factors in producing pigs with intact tails.
"Certain daily routines, such as housing and feeding, need adjustment. It therefore makes sense to take on additional stockpersons in the housing unit,” says Nielsen.
More initiatives on the way
In addition to the compensation itself, a producer network is being planned to enable members to exchange experiences on everything from fitness for transport to the handling of tail biting. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration is involved in the dialogue as transport and assessing injuries can be challenging.
The scheme was developed by the industry itself, became part of the political animal welfare agreement in February 2024 and has since been given the go-ahead by the EU Commission. In the autumn, the Board of the Pig Levy Fund (a fund to which a fee is paid for every slaughtered pig) will handle the next steps.
A shift in the industry
From the initial trials in individual herds to now becoming a national compensation model – the initiative to increase the number of pigs with intact tails has advanced significantly. And if the objectives are achieved, millions of Danish pigs in the years ahead will keep a curl in their tail.