Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of lower feet temperature with claw lengths measurements in purebred sows. In total 22, 19 and 45 multiparous sows in three herds A, B and C of PIC, DANBRED and TOPIGS genetic lines respectively participated in the study. Mean parity was 2.5, 2.3 and 3.0 for sows from herds A, B and C respectively. Measurements were made during the periparturient period. Infrared temperature distribution was measured in carpus/tarsus, upper-lower metacarpi/metatarsi and phalanges (IRT1, IRT2, IRT3 and IRT4 respectively). In addition, dorsal, diagonal, heel–sole and dew claw lengths of medial and lateral claw were measured and the difference in dorsal claw length between medial and lateral claw (anisodactylia) was calculated in all four feet. Differences between herds regarding IRT and claw length measurements were analyzed with one-way ANOVA with herds as a fixed factor. Correlations between IRT and claw length measurements in each foot including data from all herds were evaluated using the Pearson’s correlation test. Maximum IRT1 to 4 in almost all rear feet, differed significantly between herds, being lower in sows of herd C than A and B (p < 0.05). Claw lengths of all feet were lower in herd C than those of A and B (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia, differed significantly only in rear feet between herds been higher in herd A than C and B (p < 0.05). In all sows, claw lengths and rear feet anisodactylia were positively correlated with maximum IRT1 to IRT4 (p < 0.05). According to the results, IRT temperature distribution of lower feet of purebred sows of different genetic lines were positive correlated with claw lengths measurements and anisodactylia. Collectively, measuring IRT temperature of lower feet of sows with mobile IRT device could be used as an additional tool towards monitoring feet and claw health.
Highlights
It is well established that the control of heat exchange between body surface and external environment plays a very important role in regulation of body temperature during different physiological phases and/or activities throughout life of homeotherms.Thermoregulatory adjustments can be induced by changes in environmental temperature and by a variety of physiological situations including age, fasting and food intake, physiological stress circumstances [1]
Maximum IRT3 and IRT4 for both left and right rear feet differed between herds being lower in herd C, while maximum IRT4 in front left foot differed between herds being lower in herd C compared to A and B (p < 0.05)
Results of the study reveal that temperature distribution in lower feet of front and rear feet in purebred sows and claw lengths differ between herds and that longer claws are associated with increased infrared thermography (IRT) measurements
Summary
Thermoregulatory adjustments can be induced by changes in environmental temperature and by a variety of physiological situations including age, fasting and food intake, physiological stress circumstances [1]. This induces changes in internal temperature which are followed by changes in body surface temperature. The use of infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive remote sensing method that can measure accurately surface temperature distribution variations [3]. With the use of mobile IRT cameras the changes in skin temperature distribution due to progress of inflammation in underlying tissues can be detected [6]. Heat increase is linked to inflammation, due to increased blood circulation and metabolism in tissues [8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
