Disease and welfare issues of the newly-weaned sow
There are a number of health and welfare problems that are particularly prevalent in newly-weaned sows, including mastitis and lameness.Abscess
- Trauma - loose-housing
- Fighting
Bruising and skin abrasions
- Fighting
- Heavy boars
- Trauma
- Variable sizes of sows
Fracture
- Fighting
- Mixing different sizes of pigs
- Slippery floors
- Trauma - loose-housing
Haematoma
- Fighting
- Trauma
Lameness
- Activity at oestrus
- Foot damage
- Heavy boars at mating
- High stocking densities
- Inadequate bedding
- Poor bone strength
- Slippery floors
Leg weakness (OCD)
- Gilt rearing and selection
- Inadequate nutrition
- Poor body condition
- Poor crate design
- Poor slippery surfaces
- Trauma
Muscle tearing
- Damage during suckling
- High stocking density
- Lack of exercise
- Poor floors
Mastitis
- Poor hygiene
- Trauma
- Wet floors