Affiliation:
1. Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
2. Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Economics of Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43132 Karditsa, Greece
Abstract
Feet infrared temperature is associated with feet health and may affect the reproductive performance of sows. In total, 137, 98 and 114 replacement gilts were selected at the age of weaning from 3 herds—A, B and C—with different genetic lines. Dorsal claw length was measured, and anisodactylia was measured in all four feet, at weaning age, and at those gilts that completed their first and second farrowing. At the first and second farrowing stage, the infrared temperature distribution, dew/claw length and backfat thickness were measured concurrently with claw lesion and mobility score evaluation. The maximum temperature significantly differed (p < 0.01) among herds, in the rear feet and in all four feet at the first and second farrowing respectively. Claw lengths statistically differed among herds at all stages (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia in rear feet was lower in herd A (p < 0.05) at weaning, and in herd C at the first and second farrowing (p < 0.05). In addition, the claw lesion score, mobility, backfat thickness and reproductive performance statistically differed among herds (p < 0.05). It is shown that even at an early stage of their reproductive life, claw length differences exist in replacement gilts of different genetic lines.
Funder
European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation