[The solution of claw problems in swine breeding]

In a breeding unit the influence of weekly hoof care on the rate of hoof lesions was examined during a period of 3 years. The 60 pigs were divided into four groups: Group 1, 13 pigs: A washing down of the hooves with lukewarm water. Group 2, 15 pigs: Lukewarm 1% formaldehyde foot bath once a week. Group 3, 13 pigs: A washing down of the hooves with lukewarm water and, 30 minutes later, application of hoof fat (5-8 minutes work during the feeding). Group 4, 14 pigs: Control group without treatment. The incidence of hoof cracks and sole erosions was significantly less in group 3 compared to the other groups. There was a negative correlation between the elasticity of the hoof and hoof cracks as well as between the softness of the sole and sole erosions. Thus moistening of the claw with subsequent application of hoof fat seems to be an effective prevention of factorial claw lesions.