The Pig Journal website is brought to you in association with ThePigSite.com
The Pig Journal is published by UK Pig Veterinary Society and can be contacted here
The Pig Journal
 
Home
Pig Journal Index
News Archives
Published Articles

Buy On-line
Manual Order Form

PVS web site
Other Links

Search This Site
Submissions
Contact us


Pig Journal Volume: 61
Publication date: June 2008

Clinical Practice

PREVALENCE OF FOOT LESIONS, LIMB LESIONS AND ABNORMAL LOCOMOTION IN PIGS ON COMMERCIAL FARMS IN BRITAIN AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FLOORING
A.L. KILBRIDE, C.E. GILLMAN and L.E. GREEN

Abstract
A total of 103 pig farms in Britain, 21 outdoor and 82 indoor, were visited. On each farm, the feet, limbs and locomotion of pigs of all ages were examined and details of the pens in which they were housed were recorded. In general, outdoor housed pigs had the lowest prevalence of foot and limb injuries. In pigs housed indoors, there was a higher prevalence of bruising, calluses, adventitious bursae and abnormal locomotion on hard floors with little bedding, particularly slatted floors. An ideal floor to protect against physical injury in pigs is soft, non-slip and non-abrasive. Floors that currently best fit these requirements are outdoor housing or a solid floor with deep bedding.

Add to Basket
 
 
www.pigvetsoc.org.uk © Copyright The Pig Veterinary Society 2004

 
Pig Meat Processing Section

Friday 10th February

Our Main Sponsors
 
Supporting Partners