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(Photograph) - Pigs could soon have their curly tails back, according to scientists in Ulster who claim a world breakthrough.

Presently farmers cut pigs' tails at birth to prevent other pigs from biting them but now politically correct scientists have discovered the answer is to give the pigs a heck of a good time.

Violet Beattie said an enriched environment of peat beds and plenty of straw soothed the rough edge of the pigs' temper.

For pigs appear to react to bad conditions and a discouraging word in much the same way humans do. Dr Beattie said, as with humans, sex was often also a factor.

"Present-day houses with fully slatted floors and bare walls are barren and don't provide any material to root in so the pigs become frustrated. The only things in the pen to root are other pigs and this turns into tail-biting."