Lameness in Pregnant Sows Alters Placental Stress Response

Abstract

Pregnant sows from commercial pig farms may experience painful states, such as lameness, an essential indicator in assessing sow welfare. We investigated the effect of lameness during the last third of pregnancy on reproductive performance and placental glucocorticoid concentrations in sows. Periodic locomotion assessments were carried out on two commercial pig farms using a validated 0–5 scoring system (from 0: normal locomotion; to 5: a downer animal). Sows from both farms (N = 511) were grouped based on their average locomotion scores. On Farm 1, 30 sows were selected and grouped as either Not Lame (NL = 16; X¯ = 0–1) or Lame (L = 14; X¯ > 1). On Farm 2, 39 sows were selected and grouped as either Not Lame (G1 = 12; X¯ = 0–1), Moderately Lame (G2 = 13; X¯ = 1.1–2), or Severely Lame (G3 = 14; X¯ ≥ 2.1). Reproductive data (gestation length, litter weight, average piglet weight, litter size, and the number of piglets born alive/mummified/stillborn) were recorded on both farms. Moreover, on Farm 2, piglet intrauterine growth restriction score and the number of piglets dead during the first week were also recorded, and placenta samples were collected to determine their cortisol/cortisone concentrations. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the data. The proportion of lameness in pregnant sows (N = 511) was >40%, and the gestation length tended to decrease with the presence of lameness (p < 0.1) in both farms. G2 sows had a higher placental cortisol/cortisone ratio than G1 and G3 sows (p < 0.01). In conclusion, lameness was high in the sows assessed, which may decrease sow gestation length and reduce placental efficiency in protecting the offspring from the sows’ stress response.

Deep learning pose detection model for sow locomotion

“…Lesions in the locomotor system can be related to lameness 7 . The prevalence of lameness in sows is rarely reported and is usually underestimated, with reports ranging from 8 to 65% 8 10 . In a study by Jorgensen 7 , lesions were identified in the locomotor systems of 71–99% of the sows, including surface lesions on the claw and heel, as well as inappropriate claw sizes and excessive wear on the sidewall of the claw.…”

“…Lameness often goes unnoticed in its early stages; as a result, the animals receive treatment at advanced ages 2 . It is of outmost importance to carry out a diagnosis of lameness in the early stages of the condition in order to prevent situations of stress and unnecessary pain for the animal 8 and to promote quick recovery. Identifying sows with early signs of lameness is ideal for improving welfare and reducing economic impacts 2 , 19 , 21 .…”

Deep learning pose detection model for sow locomotion

“…The prevalence of lameness in sows is rarely reported and is usually underestimated, with reports ranging from 8-65% [7] [9] [10]. In a study by Jorgensen [7], lesions were identi ed in the locomotor systems of 71-99% of the sows, including surface lesions on the claw and heel, as well as inappropriate claw sizes and excessive wear on the sidewall of the claw. In another study, it was found that 96% of sows had cracks in the heel [9].…”

“…Lameness is exhibit throughout the breeding cycle of the pig and can be diagnosed in the rst three weeks of the piglet's life [6]. Lesions in the locomotor system can be related to lameness [7]. The prevalence of lameness in sows is rarely reported and is usually underestimated, with reports ranging from 8-65% [7] [9] [10].…”