Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Lameness: Causes and Prevention

Lameness affects a significant proportion of pigs in intensive systems, causing pain and reduced mobility that seriously impacts quality of life.

Key Facts

Lameness affects an estimated 3-5% of pigs in intensive systems at any given time
Common causes include osteochondrosis, foot lesions, and joint infections
Concrete flooring without adequate bedding is a major contributor to foot and leg injuries
Slippery floors increase falls and secondary joint injuries in pigs
Early detection and treatment significantly improves outcomes and reduces duration of suffering

Welfare Considerations

Lame pigs experience ongoing pain with every step, reducing willingness to move to food and water. This leads to reduced feed intake, weight loss, and social disadvantage as dominant herd members displace lame individuals. Chronic lameness from conditions like osteochondrosis develops silently during growth and may not become apparent until severe. Adequate flooring, appropriate genetics, and regular monitoring are essential for prevention.

What You Can Do

Support farms that use bedded deep litter or comfort flooring systems
Advocate for flooring standards that reduce lameness incidence in pig housing
Choose pork products from certified higher-welfare producers
Encourage investment in genetic selection for improved leg conformation