Legs and Claws Condition and Lameness in Sows

Abstract

Lameness is a multi-factorial condition that depends on managerial as well as genetic variables, but often is related to legs and feet condition of the animals. The aim of the study was to give an overview of legs and claws condition and the presence of lameness in sows at one industrial farm. Total 130 animals (90 dry i.e. pregnant and 40 lactating sows) were observed. The occurrence of leg joints swellings, than claws condition (toes length, dew claw condition, cracked wall) and lameness (in animals in group boxes) were visually recorded and then classified according to the appropriate protocols. Findings proved the occurrence of one or more of examined conditions in 40% of pregnant sows and in 45% sows in lactation. In more than 20% of pregnant sows lameness was presented. There was statistically significant positive correlation between the occurrence of lameness and leg swellings and between lameness and claw condition in pregnant sows (in both cases p lt 0.0001). The results show that lameness is a significant problem in the studied farm. In general, more attention should be given to monitoring of sows' physical condition and behaviour, to minimize the occurrence of welfare problems and to reduce production losses.