Concrete slatted flooring in pig housing causes significant hoof and leg problems that are a major source of chronic pain in commercial pigs.
Pigs on concrete slatted floors develop hoof lesions, joint problems, and lameness from the hard unyielding surface. Lame pigs have difficulty accessing feed and water, compounding suffering from mobility impairment. Rubber mats, reduced slat size, and provision of solid lying areas significantly reduce lameness prevalence. The welfare improvement from flooring modification represents one of the most accessible interventions for intensive pig housing.