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 the condition of legs and claws, and the presence of lameness in sows in one industrial farm. A total number of 130 animals (90 dry i.e. pregnant and 40 lactating sows) were observed. The occurrence of joints swellings, claw problems (long toes, dew claw problems, cracked hoof walls) and lameness (in animals in collective boxes) were visually recorded and then classified according to the appropriate protocols. The results showed the occurrence of one or more of the assessed conditions in 40% of pregnant sows and in 45% of sows in lactation. More than 20% of the pregnant sows were lame. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the prevalence of lameness and leg swellings and between lameness and claw problems in pregnant sows (in both cases p<0.0001). The results proved that lameness is a significant problem in the studied farm. In general, more attention should be given to the monitoring of sows' physical condition and behaviour, to minimize the occurrence of welfare problems and to reduce production losses.

Influence of Environmental Pollution on Animal Behavior

“…Changes in common behavior patterns may indicate that the animal feels physical or mental discomfort. It is particularly the case with chronic stress, which affects the health and welfare of the animal, its response to humans and other animals, and, in the case of farm animals, production results (Relić et al, 2012(Relić et al, , 2014(Relić et al, , 2016(Relić et al, , 2019Relić & Vuković, 2013;Beaupied et al, 2022). For example, changes in behavior in dogs and cats and a decrease in dairy cow production were observed from a few minutes to 6 days before the earthquake (Yamauchi et al, 2014).…”