Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Pig: Lameness Recognition and Treatment

Lameness is a significant and underreported welfare problem in pigs, with systematic observation and prompt treatment dramatically improving outcomes.

Key Facts

Lameness prevalence in finishing pigs is estimated at 1-5% but may be higher in poorly observed herds
Common causes include foot and leg injuries, joint infections, and osteochondrosis
Pain recognition in pigs uses the composite grimace scale adapted for the species
Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics and NSAIDs significantly improves recovery rates
Provision of pen space, non-slip flooring, and access to feed reduces lameness incidence

Welfare Considerations

Lame pigs experience significant pain affecting their ability to compete for food and water and to express normal behaviour. In group housing, lame animals are vulnerable to being outcompeted and to injury from pen-mates. Early identification and separation for treatment prevents prolonged suffering. Housing design that reduces injury risk and floor that supports comfortable standing reduces the incidence of this preventable welfare problem.

What You Can Do

Implement daily observation with a focus on detecting lame animals
Develop a lameness treatment protocol with veterinary input
Separate lame pigs for treatment in appropriate individual accommodation
Audit floor type and pen design to identify lameness risk factors
Record lameness incidence and treatment outcomes to track improvement