Livestock

Pig Lameness Scoring: Welfare Assessment and Action

How lameness scoring helps identify and address welfare problems in pig herds.

Key Facts

Lameness in pigs is significantly under-reported and under-treated in commercial settings
Floor surface, group size, and genetics are key lameness risk factors
Validated lameness scoring systems allow systematic assessment and action
Shoulder lesions in sows are a major lameness welfare issue in lactating animals

Welfare Considerations

Pig lameness causes significant welfare compromise — pain impairs feeding, social behaviour, and reproductive performance. Welfare-focused management uses validated lameness scoring at regular intervals, investigates causes systematically, and acts promptly on lame individuals. Floor renovation, genetics selection, and farrowing pen design all contribute to lameness prevention at herd level.

What You Can Do

Implement regular lameness scoring walks in all pig groups
Segregate and treat lame pigs promptly — delay worsens outcomes and welfare
Review floor surfaces and group management in units with elevated lameness prevalence