Claw Characteristics of Culled Sows from Three Farrow-to-Finish Greek Farms. Part 1: Claw Length Measurements, Lesion Scores and Their Association

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate variations in lengths and lesions in claws of culled sows and to evaluate their association. All four feet of 185 sows from three Greek farrow-to-finish farms (Farm A: 57 sows; Farm B: 64 sows; Farm C: 64 sows) were examined for lesions and their lengths were measured. All claw lengths were lower in sows of farm C compared to those from sows of B and A. Claw lengths in sows of farm B were lower compared to those from A for all lateral toes of front feet and for all medial and four out of three lateral toes of rear feet. Sum of length measurements of the main toes of the front feet (SLF) associated with lesions on sole, white line and heel of front feet, while sum of length measurements of the main toes of the rear feet (SLR) associated with all lesions of the rear feet. The lengths of the main toes were correlated with the length of dew claws on front and rear feet. Overall, sows’ claw lesion severity and claw lengths may differ between farms and frequency of lesions is higher in longer claws.

Infrared Thermography Evaluation of Feet Temperature and Its Association with Claw Lengths and Anisodactylia in Purebred Sows of Three Greek Herds

“…Lameness in sows has been associated with excessive claw growth [12,13]. Additionally, claw overgrowth was correlated with increased frequency of other claw lesions [14][15][16]. Anisodactylia was common in hyperprolific sows of modern genotypes [14].…”

“…Additionally, claw overgrowth was correlated with increased frequency of other claw lesions [14][15][16]. Anisodactylia was common in hyperprolific sows of modern genotypes [14]. According to Anil et al [17] particular types of claw lesions were associated with a higher risk for lameness.…”

Claw Characteristics of Culled Sows from Three Farrow-to-Finish Greek Farms. Part 2: Mechanical Indices of Hoof Horn and Their Associations with Length Measurements and Lesion Scores

“…The detailed data on claw length measurements and lesion scores are given in the companion study (part 1) [ 25 ].…”

“…Our experimental approach revealed evident variations between farms in regard to hoof mechanical characteristics. The companion study (part 1) [ 25 ] showed that overgrown hooves are associated with a greater lesion score. This study demonstrated that a decline in mechanical efficiency accompanies hooves with increased heel-sole length as well as hooves with high wall lesion scores.…”

“…The objectives of the present study were (i) to measure the mechanical properties of the hooves of culled sows from the three genetic lines most frequently used in Greek farms (ii) to describe the association of the mechanical indices with hoof length measurements and lesion severity data obtained in a companion study (part 1) [ 25 ].…”