Farm Animals

Pig Lameness Assessment and Treatment

Lameness in pigs is widespread, undertreated, and a significant source of chronic pain in commercial systems.

Key Facts

An estimated 30-50% of sows in commercial systems show some degree of lameness
Lame sows have reduced access to food and water in competitive group housing
Early identification and treatment dramatically improves outcomes
Lameness scoring systems allow systematic farm-level assessment

Welfare Considerations

Lame pigs experience chronic pain that reduces mobility, resource access, and quality of life. In competitive group housing, lame animals are further disadvantaged as they struggle to access feeders and drinkers. Lameness is frequently undertreated because individual attention in large herds is difficult.

What You Can Do

Support pork from farms with documented lameness monitoring programs
Advocate for lameness scoring requirements in welfare standards
Back research into flooring designs that reduce pig lameness
Choose welfare certifications that include lameness assessment requirements