The objective of this experiment was to
compare the effects of tail docking and teeth clipping on
the growth and behavior of pigs. Pigs (n = 126) from 21
litters (6 pigs/litter) were blocked by birth weight, and
assigned at 3 d of age within blocks to either teeth clipping
and tail docking (processed) or control (sham-processed).
Vocalizations of pigs were recorded during the procedures,
and behavior was observed during the lactation, nursery,
and growing periods. Blood samples were collected on d
21 to measure serum IgG concentrations.