Lameness is one of the most significant welfare problems in commercial pig farming, causing chronic pain and economic losses. Prevention and early treatment dramatically improve outcomes.
Lameness causes persistent pain that undermines every aspect of a pig's wellbeing. Lame animals struggle to compete for food and water, experience social stress, and may be unable to perform natural behaviours. In worst cases, they cannot rise from lying or access water independently. The chronic nature of lameness pain is particularly concerning as pigs are stoic animals who mask pain until it becomes severe. Systems must shift from reactive culling to proactive prevention through appropriate flooring, genetics, and routine foot health monitoring.