Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Sow Lameness Prevention

Lameness is a major welfare problem in breeding sows, with flooring, nutrition, and genetics all influencing prevalence.

Key Facts

Prevalence of lameness in breeding sows ranges from 10-40% across farms
Concrete flooring without adequate rubber covering causes foot lesions
Biotin, zinc, and copper deficiencies contribute to hoof quality problems
Obese sows have higher lameness rates than those in optimal condition
Lame sows show altered behaviour, reduced reproductive performance, and are more likely to be culled early

Welfare Considerations

Lameness in sows causes chronic pain that affects every aspect of their lives - movement, feeding, social interaction, and reproductive behaviour. Prevention through appropriate flooring, nutrition, and body condition management is far more effective and welfare-positive than treating established lameness.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring sow lameness assessment as an audit criterion
Advocate for rubber flooring requirements in sow housing areas
Choose pork from farms with documented sow health monitoring programmes