Lameness in sows causes chronic pain affecting welfare, longevity, and reproductive performance, with flooring, nutrition, and genetics all contributing to prevention.
Key Facts
Lameness is the second most common reason for sow culling after reproductive failure
Concrete flooring causes hoof abrasion, slipping injuries, and joint problems
Rubber mats and slatted floor design significantly reduce lameness incidence
Biotin supplementation improves hoof horn quality and reduces lameness risk
Genetics selection for leg conformation reduces inherent lameness susceptibility
Welfare Considerations
Lameness causes chronic daily pain affecting millions of sows. Prevention through flooring, nutrition, and genetics is more effective and humane than reactive treatment.
What You Can Do
Implement lameness monitoring and scoring in sow herds as a welfare indicator
Install rubber flooring or matting in sow accommodation to reduce injury risk
Ensure biotin supplementation in sow diets where lameness is a persistent problem
Select replacement gilts for leg conformation quality as a welfare investment