Swine

Gait Analysis as an Objective Tool to Measure Hoof Lameness Phases in Multiparous Sows

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare differences in gait characteristics from sows in varying hoof lameness phases. Twelve, clinically healthy, mixed-parity, crossbred sows (228.89±19.17 kg) were used. The sow was the experimental unit and a cross-over design with a 2 (hooves: left and right hind hoof) x 3 (days: D-1, D+1 and D+6) factorial arrangement of treatments were compared. On induction day (D0), 10 mg of amphotericin B were injected in the distal interphalangeal joint space in both claws of one hind hoof. All sows served as their own control and treatment. After completion of the first round, sows were given a 7-d rest period and then the round procedures were repeated with the opposite hind hoof induced. Sows were walked in a continuous closed loop across the pressure mat. Each sow was required to complete three quality readings each day of data collection. Gait analysis measures collected were maximum pressure, stride time and stride length. All data were statistically analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure in SAS. A P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant. For our study, the GAITFour ® pressure mat gait analysis walkway system; maximum pressure placed on the induced hoof decreased on D+1 compared to D-1 (P < 0.05), stride time increased on D+1 for all hooves (P < 0.05) and stride length decreased on D+1 compared to D-1 (P < 0.05).Therefore, in conclusion, these kinematic measures all detected changes when sows were sound and in acute lameness phases, indicating future potential for sow lameness detection.

Keywords: Animal Science, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine

How to Cite:

Mohling, C. M., Johnson, A. K., Stalder, K. J., Abell, C., Karriker, L. A., Coetzee, J. F. & Millman, S. T., (2014) “Gait Analysis as an Objective Tool to Measure Hoof Lameness Phases in Multiparous Sows”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 11(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1194