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

Lameness in finishing pigs requires multifactorial management addressing feed, husbandry, facilities, and pathogens.

This prospective observational study examined lameness prevalence in finishing pigs across 53 farms in three states, with visits at 15±2 and 21±2 weeks of age between February 2023 and July 2024. Pigs were scored for lameness (0-2 scale), and farm/pen-level factors were recorded. Using binomial generalized linear mixed models, researchers identified multiple associated factors: poor feeder adjustment and pelleted feed increased lameness risk at the farm level, while adequate space allowance decreased risk. Nutritional factors were significant, with elevated zearalenone and insufficient zinc increasing lameness susceptibility. Interestingly, PRRSV antibodies and Mycoplasma hyosynoviae detection via pooled oral fluids were associated with decreased lameness, suggesting complex pathogenic interactions requiring further investigation. Lameness prevalence at initial assessment was the strongest predictor of subsequent lameness. The findings underscore lameness in finishing pigs as a multifactorial condition involving feed composition, husbandry practices, facility design, and infectious agents. The authors recommend a comprehensive management approach considering economic impacts and recommend veterinary submission of lameness cases for pathogenic investigation.

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