Department of Animal Science
Date of this Version
2016
Citation
Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 2016
Abstract
This study is a portion from the validation process of an
objective methodology to measure feet and leg joint angles
and to evaluate their relationship with sow longevity. Five
feet and leg conformation traits (knee, hock, front and rear
pasterns and rear stance) that have been described in the
literature as being related with sow longevity were selected
for this study. Profile and rear stance digital images were
obtained from 277 sows during their 2nd gestation (26.7 ±
17.2 days of gestation; range 0 to 87 days). Sows were
obtained from a single gilt population and were moved to
three different farms. Significant differences (P < 0.05)
between farms were identified in the knee, both pasterns and
the rear stance joint angle measurements. Asymmetric joint
angle measurements (i.e. difference in the joint angle
between the left and right legs) were identified for the knee,
and both pasterns. Knee, front pastern and hock joint angles
changed as gestation progressed. Results suggest that
environmental factors are related with variation in joint
angles. However, as the differences in joint angles are
relatively small, they may not be biologically relevant.
Comments
Copyright 2016 Iowa State University of Science and Technology.