Kreupele zeugen wat mankeert ze en hoe beoordeel je ze

Abstract

This study was initiated because of the high number of lame sows in de pig stable of the Tolakker and has four aspects. The first aspect of this study involved behavioral observations of the sows and the identification of problem areas in the carrying sow stable. The second part consisted of a literature study to determine the prevalence of lameness among sows and the accompanying leg and claw problems. This literature study provided the basis for the development of a protocol for the examination of lame sows, which is the third part of the study. The last aspect of this study was done in accordance to the request of the farmer to determine whether the feeding stations in the stable were a risk to the claw health of the sows and if they cause clinical lameness. During the study it became clear that for a major part it was the setting of the feeding stations in the stable and the weekly addition of new sows to the group that caused unrest and aggression. The extent to which these issues play a part in the development of lameness is something that needs to be studied further. Literature shows that it is mostly infectious arthritis and osteochondrosis that cause clinical lameness in the sows. Though claw lesions are common, their contribution to the development of locomotion problems appears minor. The prevalence of the different lesions is highly farm specific however and the exact link between the separate claw lesions and lameness remains unclear. The protocol that was developed includes all aspects of the sow’s legs that can be examinated in a clinical investigation. The systematical examination of all lame sows and good registration of the results are essential to the identification of existing locomotion problems. The experiment with the feeding stations showed that the bolts on their floor might be a problem due to the sows standing on them when entering and leaving the stations. No clear conclusions could be drawn from the results however and further research should be done to determine if this situation poses a risk to the health of the sow’s claws.