EFFECTS OF AGE, BREED AND FLOOR TYPE ON THE INCIDENCE OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE LESIONS IN PIGS

Abstract

Articular cartilage lesions of a mild degree were observed in pigs shortly after weaning, indicating that the condition can occur in the very young pig. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between breed or floor type in the incidence or severity of cartilage lesions. There were significant (P < 0.05) increases in the incidence and severity of cartilage lesions with increasing weights of pigs, the largest increase occurring between 60 and 120 kg liveweight. The lesion score of the left proximal femur was the only joint lesion score significantly correlated with average daily gain. The highest incidence and severity of lesions occurred in the distal humerus and proximal femur. Levels of several blood serum constituents were not significantly correlated with the degree or severity of cartilage lesions. Mineralization of the compact bone appeared to be normal in pigs showing cartilage lesions, and there were no significant correlations between lesion score and bone mineral content.