Comparing Visual-Only and Visual-Palpation Post-Mortem Lung Scoring Systems in Slaughtering Pigs

Abstract

Respiratory diseases continue to pose significant challenges in pig production, and the assessment of lung lesions at the abattoir can provide valuable data for epidemiological investigations and disease surveillance. The evaluation of lung lesions at slaughter is a relatively simple, fast, and straightforward process but variations arising from different abattoirs, observers, and scoring methods can introduce uncertainty; moreover, the presence of multiple scoring systems complicates the comparisons of different studies, and currently, there are limited studies that compare these systems among each other. The objective of this study was to compare validated, simplified, and standardized schemes for assessing surface-related lung lesions in slaughtered pigs and analyze their reliability under field conditions. This study was conducted in a high-throughput abattoir in Italy, where two different scoring methods (Madec and Blaha) were benchmarked using 637 plucks. Statistical analysis revealed a good agreement between the two methods when severe or medium lesions were observed; however, their ability to accurately identify healthy lungs and minor injuries diverged significantly. These findings demonstrate that the Blaha method is more suitable for routine surveillance of swine respiratory diseases, whereas the Madec method can give more detailed and reliable results for the respiratory and welfare status of the animals at the farm level.

An Integrated Analysis of Abattoir Lung Lesion Scores and Antimicrobial Use in Italian Heavy Pig Finishing Farms

“…Although lung scoring activities at slaughter are generally considered a relatively simple and rapid process, some important limitations may emerge, related to potential biases and feasibility. The selection of the most suitable scoring system is essential to collect high-quality data, and it must take into account the objectives of the assessment and its final use [ 39 ]. The reliability of the collected information depends on the reproducibility and objectivity of the selected method; therefore, scoring systems involving a certain degree of subjectivity should be avoided [ 40 ].…”

“…The implementation of commonly recognized and validated guidelines at a national and European level would allow for the collection of comparable and harmonized data across different countries, reducing the variability and ensuring consistency in the assessment process. To achieve this, a comprehensive training program for veterinarians is of paramount importance [ 39 ]. In addition, regular training and calibration sessions may be useful to ensure that assessors continue to score lung lesions properly over time.…”

Scoring Enzootic Pneumonia-like Lesions in Slaughtered Pigs: Traditional vs. Artificial-Intelligence-Based Methods

“…Herein, we showed that the same CNN provides good results even when compared with the best scenario, i.e., scores given by a skilled operator after careful inspection and palpation. Interestingly, Ghidini et al [18] have shown that visual-only methods (namely Blaha's scoring system) can be suitable, although they are less sensitive in scoring pneumonia in slaughtered pigs. Blaha's and Madec's methods demonstrated a strong and significant correlation (Spearman's coefficient of 0.81, p < 0.001), their agreement being particularly good for medium-to-large-sized lesions [18].…”

“…Interestingly, Ghidini et al [18] have shown that visual-only methods (namely Blaha's scoring system) can be suitable, although they are less sensitive in scoring pneumonia in slaughtered pigs. Blaha's and Madec's methods demonstrated a strong and significant correlation (Spearman's coefficient of 0.81, p < 0.001), their agreement being particularly good for medium-to-large-sized lesions [18]. Overall, such data match those reported in this study.…”