Impact of Lameness on Productive Potential of the Sow

The quest for efficient production of pork protein to be able to feed a growing population is critical for the pork industry. A disease that causes a large impact on cost and efficiency of production is lameness. This disease is like a stealthy thief. The losses from this disease often go unnoticed or recognized. The consequences are larger in proportion than most producers are aware. Lameness is one of the major reasons for culling in gilts and sows. There are several causes of lameness such as arthritis, osteochondrosis, disease and claw lesions to name a few. This article will focus on claw lesions as a cause of lameness. Claw lesions become problematic when the lesions are severe enough that they penetrate the horn wall into the corium causing inflammation and pain. When these conditions exist they impact productivity. A survey taken in 2007 showed that lameness accounts for greater than 15% of the animals that are culled. This number is likely underestimated because animals that are culled for reproductive reasons and for age are also often lame. Besides concerns for welfare of the animals, culling due to lameness impacts herd dynamics and reduces productivity. Evaluation of many herds will show that the losses or removal due to lameness occur as a gilt and first parity. Generally, the value of herd replacement gilts is not paid for until they have had at least three litters. For each additional litter that a sow can have above the third litter dramatically reduces the fixed cost of piglet production. Factors that improve longevity such as prevention of claw lesions have a large economic impact on the production system. Data shows we can heal and reduce claw lesions by feeding organic minerals. The more important fact is to feed and attend to the management issues that help prevent claw lesions and lameness thus improving longevity. As replacement rates are reduced herds become immunologically more stable and productivity improves.