Associations between osteochondrosis and conformation and locomotive characteristics in pigs1

Koning, D.B. de; Grevenhof, E.M. van; Laurenssen, B.F.A.; Ducro, B.J.; Heuven, H.C.M.; Groot, P.N. de; Hazeleger, W.; Kemp, B.

doi:10.2527/jas.2012-5310

Cited by 23 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…Every week, body mass was recorded using a weighing scale (MS Schippers, Bladel, The Netherlands), they were visually evaluated for lameness by a veterinarian using a scoring system modified from De Koning et al [47], and pressure mat analysis was performed. The pressure mat was a Footscan® 3D Gait Scientific 2 m system (RSscan International, Olen, Belgium) with an active sensor surface of 1.95 m × 0.32 m containing 16384 sensors (2.6 sensors per cm 2 ), with a sensitivity of 0.27-127 n/cm 2 and a measuring frequency of 126 Hz, connected to a laptop with dedicated software (Footscan Scientific Gait 7 gait 2 nd generation, RSscan International, Olen, Belgium).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pressure mat analysis of the longitudinal development of pig locomotion in growing pigs after weaning

et al. 2014

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BackgroundGait evaluation is difficult in pigs, especially when objective and quantitative data are needed, thus little research has been conducted in this species. There is considerable experience, however, with objective gait analysis in other species, such as horses and dogs. In this study, a pressure mat was used to establish baseline kinetic data for gait and its longitudinal development in growing, weaned piglets.Ten clinically healthy weaned piglets were trained to trot over a pressure mat. Measurements were performed weekly during 10 weeks, starting at 5 weeks of age. Four kinetic parameters were recorded for all four limbs: peak vertical force (PVF), load rate (LR), vertical impulse (VI) and peak vertical pressure (PVP). Three representative runs per measuring session per pig were collected. For each of the variables, left vs. right limb asymmetry-indices (ASI’s) were calculated based on the average for that parameter per week. A linear mixed model was used to determine the influence of time (week), velocity, and limb (left vs. right, and fore vs. hind). Intra-class correlations were calculated to assess within-session replicability.ResultsIntra-class correlations showed good within-session replicability. Body-weight normalized PVF (nPVF), LR (nLR), VI (nVI) and PVP (nPVP) were higher in the forelimbs than in the hind limbs. A higher velocity was associated with a higher nPVF, nLR and nPVP. All parameters varied between weeks. ASI of LR and VI were higher in the forelimbs than in the hind limbs. Velocity and time did not influence ASI of any of the variables.ConclusionsKinetic pressure mat measurements from healthy weaned piglets are highly replicable within-session. However, these variables present a significant variability between-session, which may be due to conformational changes of the young, growing piglets. Velocity clearly influences nPVF, nLR and nPVP, and all kinetic variables have higher values in forelimbs than in hind limbs. As time and velocity do not affect ASI’s, the latter are preferable tools when velocity cannot be controlled or when measurements are repeated over longer time intervals. The present study supports the use of a pressure mat as an objective way to analyze and quantify porcine gait.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pressure mat analysis of the longitudinal development of pig locomotion in growing pigs after weaning

et al. 2014

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“…Osteochondrosis lesions might influence gait and hence locomotor parameters, as has been reported in pigs 12, 13. It is therefore imperative that studies of the longitudinal development of equine gait simultaneously monitor osteochondrosis status in the most commonly affected joints (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…The prevalence of osteochondrosis in young foals can be very high [10], although the majority of the lesions present at an early age will heal [11]. Osteochondrosis lesions might influence gait and hence locomotor parameters, as has been reported in pigs [12,13]. It is therefore imperative that studies of the longitudinal development of equine gait simultaneously monitor osteochondrosis status in the most commonly affected joints (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The development of locomotor kinetics in the foal and the effect of osteochondrosis

Gorissen

Wolschrijn

Bragança

et al. 2016

Equine Veterinary Journal

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SummaryReason for performing studyFoals stand and walk immediately after birth, but insight into the subsequent longitudinal development of their gait kinetics in the early juvenile phase and the possible influence of osteochondrosis thereon is lacking.ObjectivesTo quantify gait kinetics in foals during the first half year of life, taking into account their osteochondrosis status.Study designProspective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm.MethodsPressure plate measurements at walk and trot from 11 Dutch Warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to determine body mass normalised peak vertical force, normalised vertical impulse and stance duration. Coefficients of variation of peak vertical force and stance duration were used as measures for gait maturity. Radiographs of tarsocrural and femoropatellar joints were taken at age 4–6 weeks and after 6 months to check for osteochondrosis. A linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of age, limb, presence of osteochondrosis and speed on gait parameters.ResultsMean walking and trotting velocity increased over time as did stance duration and normalised vertical impulse, normalised peak vertical force values however remained relatively constant. During the first weeks of their life only the coefficient of variation of stance duration decreased significantly, while the coefficient of variation of peak vertical force did not. None of the foals was visibly lame, but the presence of osteochondrosis resulted in a temporarily but significantly reduced normalised peak vertical force.Main limitationsThis study is a relatively small sample size of one breed from a single stud farm. A stand‐alone pressure plate was used and body mass was estimated rather than measured.ConclusionsDespite being precocious, foals need time to mature their gait. During growth, velocity at walk and trot increases, but normalised peak vertical force remains relatively constant. Although not visibly lame, a temporary reduction in normalised peak vertical force was detected in osteochondrosis positive foals using a pressure plate.

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“…It can progress to cartilage fracture and the formation of intra-articular fragments known as osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), which condition has been associated with "leg weakness" in pigs [7] and lameness in horses [6]. Hence, osteochondrosis and OCD can compromise the health, welfare and athletic or reproductive performance of affected individuals [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. A significant heritability has been documented in pigs [13,14] and horses [15,16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Consequences of the natural course of articular osteochondrosis in pigs for the suitability of computed tomography as a screening tool

et al. 2014

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BackgroundA significant heritability has been documented for articular osteochondrosis. Selection against osteochondrosis has historically been based on macroscopic evaluation, but as computed tomography (CT) now is used to select boars with optimal body composition it can potentially also be used to screen for osteochondrosis. False negative diagnosis will occur if defects have not developed or have resolved prior to screening at a single time point.The aim of the current study was to assess the suitability of the use of CT at a single point in time as a screening tool in piglets for articular osteochondrosis, which is known to be a highly dynamic condition in which lesions develop and resolve over time.MethodsMale Landrace piglets (n = 18) were serial CT scanned from 2–8 times at biweekly intervals from 70–180 days of age. At each interval, 1–2 piglets were euthanased and the left distal femur processed for histological validation.ResultsA total of 795 defects were identified in the 112 available CT scans. Within the hind and fore limbs, the incidence of defects was highest in the stifle (n = 321) and elbow joints (n = 110), respectively. Ninety-eight per cent of the defects in the stifle and elbow joints had developed by the 7th examination interval when the piglets were a mean age of 159 days old. The proportion of defects that resolved was lowest in the stifle joint at 51% and highest in the elbow joint at 69%.ConclusionsScanning of the current piglets at an age of 159 days resulted in detection of 98% of the total number of defects that developed up to the maximum age of 180 days. The proportion of defects that resolved ranged from 51–69% for different joints, but may not adversely affect prevalence as this category of false negative diagnosis will result in selection of pigs that are disposed for healing. Optimally timed CT is a powerful screening tool for osteochondrosis.

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Associations between osteochondrosis and conformation and locomotive characteristics in pigs1

Abstract: characteristics in pigsAssociations between osteochondrosis and conformation and locomotive published online August 7, 2012 J ANIM SCI

Cited by 23 publications

References 41 publications

Pressure mat analysis of the longitudinal development of pig locomotion in growing pigs after weaning

Pressure mat analysis of the longitudinal development of pig locomotion in growing pigs after weaning

The development of locomotor kinetics in the foal and the effect of osteochondrosis

Consequences of the natural course of articular osteochondrosis in pigs for the suitability of computed tomography as a screening tool

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