Husbandry factors, feed characteristics, and pathogen prevalence on pooled oral fluids are associated with the prevalence of lameness in finishing pigs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess lameness prevalence and associations between lameness and animal- and husbandry-related factors at the pen and farm levels of finishing pigs at 2 ages in 3 states. METHODS: In 3 states, farms were visited when pigs were at 15 ± 2 weeks and 21 ± 2 weeks of age from February 20, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Pigs were scored for lameness from 0 (not lame) to 2 (moderate to severe lameness), and farm- and pen-level factors were recorded. Associations between these factors and lameness prevalence at the pen and farm levels were assessed with binomial generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS: 53 farms were visited at least once. At the farm level, poor feeder adjustment and pelleted feed were associated with increased lameness. The presence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibody and Mycoplasma hyosynoviae were associated with decreased lameness. At visit 1, feed levels of zearalenone and zinc were associated with increased and decreased risk of lameness, respectively. At the second visit, lameness prevalence on visit 1 was the strongest predictor, while increased space allowance was associated with decreased lameness. CONCLUSIONS: Lameness in finishing pigs is multifactorial. Feed, husbandry, and facilities play a role. The decrease in lameness associated with pathogens detected by oral fluids should be further studied. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A multifactorial approach to decreasing lameness in growing pigs is needed. Costs should be weighed against economic impacts of lameness and pig welfare. Veterinarians should submit lameness cases to laboratories to explore the role of pathogens in the etiology of lameness.