Project 'Tail Challenge'
At Van Loon Group, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to create a better future for pig farming. One key project that aligns perfectly with this vision is the Tail Challenge. This initiative, supported by the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) and co-funded by the European Union, aims to improve pig welfare by ending the practice of tail docking.
Can you tell something about yourself and your company, Aron?
"Yes, of course! My name is Aron van Selst, I’m 29 years old, and I literally grew up on our beautiful family farm. I’ve been involved in the business from a very young age, and for the past few years, I’ve been in a business partnership with my parents. Our family farm houses around 400 sows, 4,000 porkers, and 2,000 piglets. At our location in Wintelre, we have 400 sows, space for 1,600 weaned piglets, and 2,000 porkers, all in accordance with the Better Life (Beter Leven keurmerk) standard. In addition, we have another location in Baarle-Nassau with 1,600 places for porkers. We’ve been working with Van Loon Group for over fifteen years, and, during that time, we’ve built a strong relationship based on clear communication and short lines of contact."
What exactly is the ambition of the Dutch pig industry regarding tail length?
Aron van Selst: “The ambition is to stop tail docking pigs 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 raising pigs with their tails intact. The goal is to achieve 100% intact tails by the end of the project.”
How long have you been working with undocked tails?
What do you personally expect from the Tail Challenge project?
Aron van Selst: "I believe the Tail Challenge is a major challenge, but also offers a real opportunity to improve Dutch pig farming. It's essential to be vigilant and recognise signs of distress early on. To reduce risk factors, it’s important to implement the right adjustments—such as offering feed and water separately and experimenting with different types of pen enrichment. In fact, this is the Tail Challenge’s greatest opportunity as well as its biggest challenge: we must remain attentive together and select the appropriate genetics that promote the desired social and calm behaviour in line with farm operations. A good start in the farrowing pen is crucial, as that’s where the foundation for social behaviour is established!"