Field study of hind limb claw lesions and claw measures in sows

Abstract

We investigated the associations of hind limb claw lesions with claw measures and reproductive performance of sows on a commercial breeding farm. We used a five-point scale (score of 0-4) for each hind limb claw region to generate a claw lesion score (CLS). Of 110 sows, 1.8% had no hind claw lesions, and the remaining 98.2% had at least one. The proportions of sows with a CLS of 2 and 3 were 49.1% and 3.6%, respectively. The junction region had the highest frequency of a CLS of ≥ 2 (P < 0.05). The mean toe length was 45.0 ± 0.4 to 46.4 ± 0.4 mm. Sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 in the lateral claw had longer sole dimensions than did sows with the highest CLS of ≤ 1 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in claw width or height between sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 and ≤ 1. There was also no difference in reproductive performance between sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 and ≤ 1. In conclusion, most sows had hind claw lesions. The association between CLS and claw measures indicates that the sole length can be used as an indicator of claw lesions.

Claw Characteristics of Culled Sows from Three Farrow-to-Finish Greek Farms. Part 1: Claw Length Measurements, Lesion Scores and Their Association

“…The increased awareness of claw quality importance in sow breeding herds has guided researchers to focus on studying the frequency and severity of hoof growth abnormalities and lesions [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Both visual scoring [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 14 ] and quantitative measurements [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] of claw lengths have been employed to detect overgrowth. The calculation of a wide range of additional conformational traits such as hoof volume and size, sole area, distal toe angle and toe:heel ratio has also been adopted to provide deeper insight into hoof morphology [ 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Recently, studies have been conducted to address the missing information on the rates of formation and loss of horn tissue in hooves of gilts [ 15 ], sows [ 21 ] and weaned pigs [ 20 ]. Qualitative assessment [ 7 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 21 ] and histopathological characterization [ 12 , 13 , 18 ] of claw lesions have been also subjects of extensive research.…”

“…Based on the published research so far, it is evident that claw lesions are common in modern hyperprolific sows, while also claw lengths may differ between individual sows. Apart from two recent studies [ 17 , 19 ], still it has not yet been extensively investigated the presence or not of an association between lesions and dissimilarity in claw length. It could be hypothesized that longer claws may predispose to a greater risk of damage of claws, and hence to a greater lesion score.…”

Locomotion Disorders and Skin and Claw Lesions in Gestating Sows Housed in Dynamic versus Static Groups

“…Locomotion disorders can be associated with claw health, such as injuries to the sole, wall, white line and heel [ 24 ; 35 ]. Claw lesions, their causes and consequences have been studied extensively and the shift to group housing has resulted in more attention for this problem [ 5 ; 36 – 40 ]. Claw lesion prevalences of 60 to 95% have been reported [ 9 ; 40 ].…”

Effect of Slat and Gap Width of Slatted Concrete Flooring on Sow Gait Using Kinematics Analysis

“…Since the body weight of pregnant gilts and sows varies greatly from less than 150 kg to more than 250 kg [19], slats designed for multiparous sows may not necessarily accommodate gilt needs. Indeed, the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare [20] recommended that “the width of a gap should not exceed half the width of the contact area between the foot and the floor and the solid area between the gaps should be sufficient to support the foot.” Anatomical measurements show that claw widths average 25–30 mm in adult sows, while sole or toe lengths measure near 45–51 mm [13,21]. This would speak in favor of Tubbs’ [22] recommendation of a gap of 13–16 mm rather than 19–25 mm to minimize injuries to toes and dew claws.…”