Prevalence of locomotor problems and their effect on the longevity of swine matrices

Abstract

Removing matrices for locomotor problems in a swine production system is among the main causes of waste. The prevalence of these problems have the effect of reducing the productive life of dies, resulting in decreased longevity of the squad. Considering the longevity of the matrix is important to maintain good herd productivity rates, this study aimed to evaluate what is the prevalence and severity of lesions on the hulls of weaned matrices, being these injuries a major cause of problems locomotores.Foram 471 females evaluated in different lines (a, B and C), in phase maternity and delivery of different orders. The standard used for evaluation of lesions in hooves followed the method provided by the company Zinpro Performance Minerals, which guides the evaluations of the injuries are made on the hulls of the hindlimbs, classifying them into type (growth and erosion of the bead, lug-soled crack white line splitting, horizontal wall crack, vertical wall crack, nail growth and growth of nail accessory) and scores (0 without injury, 1-slight, 2-moderate, 3-severe) .From these data was calculated per animal hull lesion index. This index is a comparison between the two members, where the highest score of each type of injury is added and this result classifies the animal in normal (result = 0), with the degree of injury (1 result from 1 to 7), degree 2 (results from 8 to 14) or grade 3 (results above 14). It has been shown that the prevalence of the problem is 99.6% of females, or only 0.4% of females had no damage to the hull; 66.9% had grade 1 injury; 32.1% degree of injury 2; and 0.6% grade 3 injury. To evaluate the age of rejection for locomotor problems, it was found that 55.6% of the sows by some change in the system were the third delivery. This work points out the existing importance in providing good management conditions, housing and nutrition for mothers, because the financial returns expected in the production system depends on the productivity and longevity of these, which are a result of how the swine matrices was constructed.

Keywords

• longevity, locomotor problems, hull damage