PSIII-4 - Characterization of Digital Overgrowth in Sow Breeding Herds: A Case Study

Abstract: Digital overgrowth has been documented as one of the most common foot abnormalities observed in U.S. commercial sow breeding herds and often leads to lameness and culling. Previous research has reported that 8.2% of lactating sows had digital overgrowth. When examining a 3,500 gestating sows, at least 32% were scored with moderate or severe digital overgrowth. Digital overgrowth negatively impacts piglet pre-wean mortality, lower NBA, and lower weaning weights. In addition to the digital overgrowth, sows have increased risk for cracked hooves and other hoof lesions. The objective of this study was to characterize a true standard (mm) for digital overgrowth and to determine if varying toe cell structure contributes to toe overgrowth. Initially, 2 crossbred sows that visually exhibited digital overgrowth were evaluated into this case study. Sows were euthanized at the Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Sow toe measurements were collected from the tip of the toe to the coronary band that is anatomically located at the sagittal line. Medial and lateral toe measurements were recorded for each limb. The mean toe measurements were front right limb: lateral digit (LD) (40 mm), medial digit (MD) (40 mm); front left limb: LD (36.5 mm), MD (38.5 mm); hind right limb: LD (73.5 mm), MD (49 mm); hind left limb: LD (50.5 mm), MD (50 mm). Dew claw and histopathological evaluations are in progress.