Tail Challenge

Our ambition: 100% long tails by 1 June 2026

The Dutch pig farming industry aims to stop tail docking by 2030. The Tail Challenge project, which runs from 1 June 2024 to 1 June 2026, offers seven pig farmers the opportunity to gain experience in keeping pigs with long tails. The aim is to achieve 100% long tails by the end of the project. This will be done under professional supervision, which will also map the variations in the cost increase of uncut pigs. This information is important for developing a sustainable pricing model for pork from pigs with long tails.

A two-pronged approach

The Tail Challenge project focuses on two core issues. (1) The financial barrier to necessary operational and management changes is lowered, thereby shortening the payback period for a business investment. This financial support makes the transition to keeping pigs with long tails more financially viable for pig farmers. (2) Coviva's curly tail roadmaps are used to gain and share knowledge about keeping pigs with uncut tails. At the same time, the variation in cost increases is made transparent, which is necessary to develop a future-proof pricing model for pork with long tails.

Creating a successful market concept

The aim of the Tail Challenge is to develop a successful market concept for Dutch consumers, consisting of meat from pigs with long tails. It is important that the improvement in welfare for the pigs, by avoiding procedures such as tail docking and castration, does not lead to welfare or health problems such as tail biting, nor to loss of income for the pig farmer.

‘A successful market concept consisting of meat from pigs with long tails.’

The project in action

Various activities are being undertaken to achieve the Tail Challenge objectives. The project is developing tools to reduce risk factors for tail biting and to identify discontent in the barn so that swift action can be taken, with the aim of successfully keeping 100% of pigs uncut. Tail length and damage will be measured and evaluated to improve animal welfare. In addition, the Tail Challenge analyses the costs of uncut pigs. Knowledge, experiences, results and insights gained will be shared with the chain and stakeholders within and outside the pig sector.

Collaboration

The Tail Challenge project is a collaboration between Best Star Meat Pork B.V. (lead partner), slaughterhouse Compaxo Zevenaar Vlees B.V., and seven pig farms. By working together, we can realise innovations that contribute to more animal-friendly pig farming and a more sustainable future for the entire sector.

We look forward to the results of the Tail Challenge and remain committed to a sustainable and animal-friendly future. Keep an eye on our website for updates on this and other innovative projects.

Pen holder

Co-funded by the European Union