Lameness is an important problem among pig farmers, because it significantly changes the physiology and behavior of the sow. Sows suffering from this problem often experience pain, and there are noticeable deviations in their behavior. In a recent study, researchers discovered how this affects piglets.
Similar to how hoof injuries in cows significantly affect their milk yield, sow lameness can cause numerous problems for the sow and the piglets.
Pig health and welfare expert Dr. Monique Pairis Garcia highlights the potential long-term consequences failure to provide proper care to sows. Thus, lameness has a significant impact on the economic profitability of breeding because it affects the reproductive health and longevity of sows. And the loss of the sow naturally leads to direct economic loss.
Even about 15% of sows left breeding due to lameness. The researchers looked at what this means for the piglets and whether the health of the sow affects not only the piglets at birth, but also later in life?
Research results: Impact of sow lameness on piglets
The results of the study indicate that lameness in sows affects piglet weight at birthbut also their behavior, and on chance of their survival.
Namely, piglets born from lame sows showed a higher number of skin lesions and aggressive interactions with other piglets.
This indicates that piglets born from pigs that do not suffer from lameness have better survival skills because they avoid conflicts more effectively and are born heavier.
Regular examinations as the best prevention
Researchers suggest that appropriate health measures in the prevention and treatment of lameness can significantly affect the well-being of sows and piglets, and thus the economic aspect of breeding.
They also point out that they are moderately lame sows are the biggest challenge for treatmentbecause clinical signs of lameness can often be subtle and imperceptible. That is why it is necessary check the folders regularly and carefullyso that some symptoms do not “slip through”.
Additional research is planned to identify sick animals before lameness becomes incurable, as well as to refine genetic criteria to ensure that hooves and legs are adapted to the sow’s body.
Source: Pig Progress
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