Sow Lameness: Being Aware - Taking Action

Jul 16, 2014

Knowledge of the extent of lameness within a herd is a first step to understanding the problem, from which solutions can be developed. Culling and mortality records are a useful start, but on-farm monitoring of sows is more important as it will contribute to earlier detection of lameness which is key to minimizing losses. Currently, the best method for practical on farm monitoring of lameness is to observe sows as they walk. Timely, consistent observation of sows should become part of the regular management routine to detect locomotion problems as they develop. As a subjective method, staff should be given training to develop consistency, and using a simple scale (e.g. 0-3) can be easier.

Any time that sows are moved around the barn provides an opportunity to observe sow locomotion. Observing sows moving from gestation into farrowing is believed to be a useful time, as lameness may become more pronounced as the sow is heavier. Further observation as the sow is moved to breeding is also beneficial to detect any problems which have developed in farrowing, and indicate the need for review of the sow prior to breeding. Group housing of sows provides plenty of opportunity to observe sows’ locomotion throughout gestation. Close observation of sows after mixing should be performed to ensure no lameness has developed from injury after fighting. Records of sow locomotion score and injury should be kept, similar to production records, and these can help to show patterns in lameness development within the herd.

Source: OntarioPork

Video: WARNING! Rough Start To Breeding Season!!

WARNING! Sheep Breeding Season Begins With A Bang! Breeding season is officially underway at Ewetopia Farms, but it didn’t exactly start the way we planned!

This vlog begins with us sorting through our rams to find the perfect match for a customer’s breeding program. What should have been routine quickly turned dangerous when one of our more nervous rams panicked. In seconds, Arnie’s knee was injured, and then I was slammed hard onto the concrete floor — both of us taken down by one ram!

Thankfully, it was just bruises, but it’s a reminder of how unpredictable and powerful mature rams can be. Once we recovered, it was time to get back to the real work — the start of breeding season.

We sorted the ewes into four breeding groups (two Suffolk and two Dorset), checking parentage as they ran through the chute, deworming those that needed it, and setting aside thinner ewes for session two of breeding season in a month’s time.This staggered approach keeps lambing organized and prevents overcrowding in the barns.

From rogue rams to the excitement of new breeding groups, this episode is full of action. Stay tuned for the next vlog, where we’ll share how we chose the rams for each group!