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Effect of lameness on sow longevity
Sukumarannair S Anil1, Leena Anil, John Deen
1Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 16, 2009
Summary
Lameness significantly reduces sow longevity in commercial herds, increasing removal risk by 1.7 times. Minimizing lameness and early removal of affected sows are crucial for economic viability.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Swine Production
Background:
- Sow longevity is critical for herd productivity and economic success.
- Lameness is a common welfare issue in commercial swine operations.
- Understanding factors affecting sow removal is essential for herd management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lameness and sow longevity.
- To analyze the impact of performance variables on sow survival.
- To quantify the risk of removal for lame sows.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 674 sows from a commercial breeding herd.
- Lameness assessment and collection of farrowing performance and longevity data.
- Cox regression analysis to determine risk factors for sow longevity within 350 days post-assessment.
Main Results:
- Lame sows had a 1.71 times higher risk of removal within 350 days.
- Increased preweaning piglet mortality, stillbirths, and mummified pigs were linked to reduced longevity.
- Higher pigs born alive and younger parity were associated with increased sow survival.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in survivability exist between lame and nonlame sows.
- Parity and farrowing performance are key factors influencing sow longevity.
- Producers should prioritize minimizing sow lameness and consider early removal of affected sows to mitigate economic losses.
