CalmBlock
Our studies have shown that providing pigs with a new feed block and using an innovative tail spray result in significant reductions in tail biting behaviour whilst helping to improve pig health.
Piglets that were given our CalmBlock enrichment product were far less likely to tail bite.
In a farm study, we split 12 pens with an average of 40 pigs per pen. Half were given CalmBlock and the other half acted as a control. The number of biting pigs that had to be removed was 3 per pen with CalmBlock, whilst the control was more than double with 7 per pen having to be removed.
CalmBlock is a 20kg circular, pressed feed block, with a hole to provide a hanging option. The size and shape encourage pig’s natural curiosity which helps to relieve the stress and boredom that can lead to tail biting.
Both Defra and Red Tractor have advocated the use of edible enrichment products to help provide pigs with a stimulus that has an added nutritional benefit. The result is less aggressive, happier, healthier pigs that exhibit fewer vice behaviours.
The nutritional benefits of CalmBlock include added iron to avoid anaemia. It also contains Phytotec, a unique blend of plant extracts and yeast components with appetite- stimulating effects.
For piglets, CalmBlock also provides additional magnesium to aid protein and energy metabolism, along with bone growth. Magnesium helps to control mood and sleep regulation providing increased serotonin and melatonin to pigs.
StopBite
We also offer StopBite, a tail spray with a bitter taste that has sanitising properties and can help to dry minor wounds to enable faster skin healing.
In pig units that have experienced tail biting, StopBite can help affected pigs to heal whilst also acting as a deterrent. It comes in a spray bottle so is easy to administer and has a bold violet colour to help identify the pigs that have been treated.
Pig stress, frustration and boredom is natural and won’t go away, but with CalmBlock and StopBite you can reduce the detrimental effect it has on animal health and also take the opportunity to both enrich the diet and environment that pigs receive.
