Post mortem findings in sows and gilts euthanised or found dead in a large Swedish herd
2008

Post Mortem Findings in Sows and Gilts in a Swedish Herd

Sample size: 96 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Engblom Linda, Eliasson-Selling Lena, Lundeheim Nils, Belák Katinka, Andersson Kjell, Dalin Anne-Marie

Primary Institution: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Hypothesis

The study aims to understand the post mortem diagnoses of sows found dead or euthanised and their aetiology.

Conclusion

Arthritis was a significant problem in the studied herd, highlighting the importance of post mortem examinations for accurate diagnosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Arthritis was found in 44.8% of the examined carcasses.
  • The average parity number at removal was 2.8 for those found dead and 2.1 for those euthanised.
  • The most common clinical symptom observed was lameness.
  • The study examined 96 carcasses out of 130 sows and gilts that were euthanised or found dead.

Takeaway

The study looked at dead or euthanised sows and found that many had arthritis, which is a big problem for their health.

Methodology

The study involved post mortem examinations of sows and gilts from a large herd over a 32-week period.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in clinical symptom reporting by herd staff.

Limitations

The study was based on a single herd, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The study included crossbred Landrace × Yorkshire sows and gilts from a large Swedish herd.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.08

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1751-0147-50-25

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