Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Lameness: Detection, Scoring and Welfare Impact

Lameness in pigs is common, painful, and underdetected, representing one of the most significant welfare issues in pig farming.

Key Facts

Prevalence of lameness in sows reaches up to 30% in some studies
Foot and leg problems including joint disease and foot rot are primary causes
Regular gait scoring allows early detection before lameness becomes severe
Floor surface quality, including concrete roughness, is a key modifiable lameness risk factor

Welfare Considerations

Lame pigs suffer chronically and are less able to access food, water, and social resources. Lameness in sows contributes significantly to premature culling. Floor design, body condition management, and regular gait scoring are achievable preventions.

What You Can Do

Support farm assurance standards that include lameness scoring requirements
Advocate for regulations specifying minimum floor quality standards in pig housing
Choose pork from farms with documented lameness prevention programmes