Lameness in sows and its characterization according to the type and site of the lesions

Abstract

To evaluate lameness frequency and severity, 317 primipiorous or multiparous sows (G₁) and 111 nuliparous sows (G₂) were clinically examined in a farm with 1,000 sows kept in confinement system. Afterwards, in order to classify the type and site of the lesions that caused lameness, 102 sows of (G₁) were randomly chosen and their hooves had a detailed examination. A high frequency of lameness was observed in both groups (90.2% in G₁ and 9 % in (G₂), and there was no statistically significant difference between them. In (G₁) the frequency of severe and medium lameness was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the mild and very severe, however, in (G₂) the frequency of medium lameness was higher (P < 0.05). The frequency of lesions was higher (P. < 0.05) in the hind limbs and independent (P < 0.05) of the limb position, on the external claws. The occurrence of erosion in the volar region and lateral region of the wall, of the vertical crack in anterior, medial or posterior region of the wall and the oblique crack in the posterior region of the wall were higher in frequency (P < 0.05) than the other lesions.