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Early Detection and Interventions for Reducing Lameness in Gestating Sows

WShannon
Ethology
November 23, 2020

One of the most common reasons for culling sows in lameness. Overall herd productivity, sow welfare and sow productivity can be increased if treatment and prevention of lameness is implemented. In order for sows to generate profit, they must remain in the herd for a minimum of three parities. With the move to group housing, sow mobility will be a more important issue, so options are needed to benefit the sow and the producer. Early detection is key in reducing the costs and improving productivity, though methods have not been developed. Both joint and hoof issues can lead to lameness in sows and gilts. Hoof trimming is common in other hooved livestock and may be beneficial to swine as well. It was completed using the Feet FirstĀ® chute in order to allow examination and corrective trimming of the sows hooves. This study indicates that around 50% of low parity sows are affected by lameness, with the most common problems being hoof lesions, heel erosion and long dew claws. Hoof lesions are related to the floor type used, such as partially slatted concrete floors. As the sows studied were in gestation stalls, mild lameness is often unnoticed. Management of lameness may increase when the move to group housing occurs as problems will be more easily observed. Corrective hoof trimming can be done to reduce the development of lameness.

Early Detection and Interventions for Reducing Lameness in Gestating Sows (full article)

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Research Areas
EngineeringEthologyManagementMediaNutritionOntario PorkProductionSwine Innovation Porc

Engineering

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  • Investment cost and payback period of a modified prototype livestock trailer
  • Alternative energy and heating sources

Nutrition

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  • Developing an Indigestible Protein Index to Investigate the Effects of Dietary Protein in Pigs
  • Impact of fibre on performance and intestinal health of pigs fed a high indigestible protein level

Ethology

  • The influence of straw enrichment on hair hormone concentrations, behaviour, and productivity of growing pigs
  • Rearing pigs with play opportunities: The effects on disease resilience in pigs experimentally inoculated with PRRSV
  • Promoting play behaviour in grow-finish pigs

Management

  • Quality of Life Handbook – The use of environmental enrichment
  • Seek and you shall find; The value of postmortem, in pigs?
  • P1 development strategies for peak performance

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