Detecting, preventing and treating sow lameness

摘要

Lameness in sows remains a serious financial and animal welfare issue in pig farms around the world. Awareness is the first step in addressing the problem of sow lameness. This process has to start with an assessment of reasons for culling sows, and sow replacement and mortality rates. It also helps to note whether sows being culled for reproductive/poor performance also are lame. Start keeping track of the number of sows with obvious clinical problems such as missing dew claws or external abscesseson their limbs. The farrowing house is a good place to do this.