Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the differences in sow metacarpal properties through various parities and to compare the incidence of locomotory problems between stalled and loose-housed sows. Metacarpals (n = 110) of sows from six farms were collected at slaughter and stored at -20°C. Bones from one forelimb of sows in stalls (n = 36) and loose-housed (n = 20) were collected and their articular surfaces examined for Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), these sows were also scored for lameness pre-slaughter. Metacarpals were CT scanned for cross sectional area and moment of inertia. Cylindrical sections from the diaphysis were used for mechanical testing and calculating bone strength indices. The results show there was little change in bone mineral status throughout the range of parities examined and overall metacarpal integrity was not compromised by multiple production cycles. There were no differences detected in the incidence of lameness or joint pathology between housing systems.
Highlights
Changes in modern pig reproduction have led to increased numbers of pigs born throughout a sow’s lifetime (Lawlor and Lynch 2007)
Significant differences among the ranges were found with respect to cross sectional area (P
There were no significant decreases in bone mineral density, elastic modulus or ash content from early to late parity in the sows examined
Summary
Changes in modern pig reproduction have led to increased numbers of pigs born throughout a sow’s lifetime (Lawlor and Lynch 2007). Such improvements necessarily increase metabolic demands on the reproducing sow. There is no information on how these changes in productivity have affected bone integrity of breeding sows under Irish conditions despite average culling rates of 11% for locomotory problems To compare the articular surfaces in the bones of cull sows in different housing systems and to examine any associations with lameness. High culling rates due to a potentially painful condition may indicate compromised welfare for the animals involved and warrants further detailed examination
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