Lameness is one of the most common and poorly managed welfare problems in commercial pig farming, causing chronic pain that is frequently underrecognised and undertreated.
Lame pigs experience chronic musculoskeletal pain that impairs their ability to compete for food, rest comfortably, and engage in normal social behaviour. In group housing, subordinate lame pigs are often displaced from feed and rest areas by dominant individuals, compounding pain with hunger and disrupted rest. The stoic nature of pigs means lameness is often only noticed when severe; mild to moderate lameness — which may persist for weeks — goes unrecognised. Farm-level interventions proven to reduce lameness include floor surface improvement, footbath access, regular health monitoring with trained stockpeople, and prompt treatment of identified cases. The economic case for lameness management is strong: lame pigs have poor feed conversion and growth rates, aligning welfare and productivity incentives.