Prevalence and risk factors of claw lesions and lameness in pregnant sows in two types of group housing

Abstract

Claw lesions and lameness in sows are an important welfare concern as well as a cause of considerable economic loss. These problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Given that group housing for gestating sows will become mandatory in the EU from 2013 onwards, the aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in sows housed in groups during gestation, and (2) to analyze whether the type of group housing system and sow-related factors were associated with lameness and claw lesions. Eight Belgian pig herds with group housing of gestating sows were selected. Four herds used pens with electronic sow feeders (dynamic groups), the other four herds kept their sows in free access stalls (static groups). All sows were visually examined for lameness at the end of gestation. Claw lesions were scored after parturition. Information about feed, housing conditions and culling (strategy) was collected, as well as information about parity and breed. Of all 421 assessed sows, on average 9.7% (min. 2.4%, max. 23.1%) were lame. Almost 99% of the sows had one or more claw lesion with overgrowth of heel horn (93%) and cracks in the wall (52%) as the most prevalent lesions. Neither for lameness nor claw lesions was significant differences found between the two types of group housing. Lameness decreased while the mean claw lesion score increased with ageing. These results suggest that lameness can be caused by reasons other than claw lesions, especially in older sows. Although no difference was found between the two types of group housing, a huge variation between herds was observed. Moreover, as the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in group housing is quite high and group housing will become mandatory in 2013, further investigation on risk factors of locomotor disorders in sows is necessary.

Effects of scalding and dehairing of pig carcasses at abattoirs on the visibility of welfare-related lesions

“…For example, infections originating in the tail can spread to other body regions via the blood stream and cerebrospinal fluid (Huey, 1996), resulting in secondary abscessation. Similarly, skin lesions can lead to the spread of secondary infection (Pluym et al, 2011) and may be the source of single-site abscessation in the limbs, flank and shoulders of pigs (Huey, 1996). In general, information on the cause of partial and whole carcass condemnation in pigs is limited (Garcia-Diaz and Coelho, 2014), and improved knowledge of the risk factors involved is needed if they are to be reduced.…”

An experimental model for studying claw lesions in growing female pigs

“…Lameness in sows is very common and a serious concern in pig production (Pluym et al, 2011). A lame sow is in pain, has reduced appetite, loses weight and has problems showing oestrus and conceiving (Willgert et al, 2014;Wolf, 2011).…”

“…flooring) (Vestergaard et al, 2005). Claw lesions have been reported in young pigs (Kilbride et al, 2009b), but the prevalence appears to increase with the age of the animal and during gestation, while a temporary decrease during the lactation period has been reported (Anil et al, 2007;Pluym et al, 2011). Various sow herd survey studies have reported an incidence of claw lesions of 60-90% (KilBride et al, 2010;Olsson and Svendsen, 2002;Pluym et al, 2011).…”

“…Problems with claw lesions are also reported to be more common in systems with concrete floors and group housing than in systems with concrete floors and individual housing in crates (Anil et al, 2007;Pluym et al, 2011;Svendsen et al, 1990). This can be interpreted as that animal activity/agonistic contacts among the animals (stable or dynamic groups of animals) implies an additional risk for the onset of claw lesions.…”

“…This can be interpreted as that animal activity/agonistic contacts among the animals (stable or dynamic groups of animals) implies an additional risk for the onset of claw lesions. Some authors have requested more research in this area to find measures to prevent such lesions (Anil et al, 2007;Pluym et al, 2011). A logical step in promoting healthy feet and improved sow longevity, at the present state of knowledge, is to find and test improved flooring systems in group housing facilities.…”