Effect of a dietary supplement of biotin on pig hoof horn strength and hardness

Claw lesion status in Brazilian commercial sow herds from 2013 to 2023

Introduction

Claw lesions significantly contribute to lameness, greatly affecting sow welfare. This study investigated different factors that would impact the severity of claw lesions in the sows of Brazilian commercial herds.

Methods

A total of 129 herds (n = 12,364 sows) were included in the study. Herds were in the Midwest, Southeast, or South regions of Brazil. Inventory sizes were stratified into 250-810 sows, 811-1,300 sows, 1,301-3,000 sows, and 3,001-10,000 sows. Herds belonged to Cooperative (Coop), Integrator, or Independent structures. The herd management was conducted either maintaining breeds from stock on-site (internal), or through purchase of commercially available genetics (external). Herds adopted either individual crates or group housing during gestation. Within each farm, one randomly selected group of sows was scored by the same evaluator (two independent experts evaluated a total of 129 herds) from 0 (none) to 3 (severe) for heel overgrowth and erosion (HOE), heel-sole crack (HSC), separation along the white line (WL), horizontal (CHW) and vertical (CVW) wall cracks, and overgrown toes (T), or dewclaws (DC) in the hind legs after parturition. The study assessed differences and similarities between herds using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering (HAC) analysis. The effects of factors (i.e., production structure, management, housing during gestation, and region) were assessed using the partial least squares method (PLS).

Results and discussion

Heel overgrowth and erosion had the highest prevalence, followed by WL and CHW, while the lowest scores were observed for T, DC, and CVW. Herds were grouped in three clusters (i.e., C1, C2, and C3). Heel overgrowth and erosion, HSC, WL, CHW, CVW, and T were decreased by 17, 25, 11, 25, 21, and 17%, respectively, in C3 compared to C1 and 2 combined. Independent structure increased the L-Index in all three clusters. Furthermore, individual housing increased the L-Index regardless of the cluster. The results suggest that shifting toward larger, more technologically advanced herds could potentially benefit claw health. Additionally, adopting group gestation housing appears to mitigate the adverse effects on claw health, although further validation is necessary, as Brazil has only recently transitioned from individual housing practices.

Foot lesions and forelimb skin abrasions in suckling piglets: development and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Foot lesions in suckling piglets have been associated with poor flooring in several studies and were recently proposed to be indicative of swine inflammatory and necrosis syndrome. However, identical findings are also the typical outcome of various non-infectious causes; thus, further risk analysis is needed. The objective of this study was to describe the development of heel bruising, coronary band lesions and forelimb skin abrasion in suckling pigs up to 5 days of age. Furthermore, the effects of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors were examined. On each of four commercial piglet-producing farms, piglets from two or three batches of eight sows were studied. The piglets were included within 18 h after birth. Each piglet was individually scored four times. The score for the heels differentiated six (0-5) and for the coronary band and forelimb skin abrasion three stages (0-2). The body weight was measured two times. The effect of the floor was estimated by allocating the sows randomly to farrowing pens equipped with either soft rubber mats covered with litter or fully slatted plastic floors.

RESULTS

The final analysis comprised data from 1045 piglets. Foot lesions were not found at birth but started to develop on day 1. On day 5, heel bruising was found in 94%, main claw coronary band lesions in 49% and forelimb skin abrasion in 73% of the piglets. In a multifactorial logistic regression analysis, it was shown that a slatted plastic floor significantly increased the odds of heel bruising and coronary band lesions, while a rubber floor with litter increased the odds of forelimb skin abrasions.

CONCLUSION

Foot and forelimb lesions in new-born piglets are mainly induced by the floor. The effect of slatted plastic floors on heel bruising showed an overwhelming OR of 52.89 (CI 26.29-106.43). Notably, coronary band lesions in young suckling piglets occur on slatted as well as non-slatted floors, indicating that the piglets incur these injuries not only from the wedging of their feet into the gaps between slats but also from contact with the floor while suckling. Based on these findings, preventive measures should be redirected to the improvement of the floor in the farrowing pen, particularly in the area under the sow's udder.

"Feeding the Foot": Nutritional Influences on Equine Hoof Health

Nutrition plays an important role in equine health, including that of the foot. Deficiencies and excesses of dietary components can affect the growth and function of the foot and have been associated with important podiatric diseases. The recognition, prevention, and treatment of specific notable nutritional diseases of the foot are discussed, as well as information regarding specific ingredients included in supplements meant to improve equine hoof quality. Ensuring provision of a balanced diet, maintaining horses in appropriate body condition, and seeking guidance from an equine nutritionist when creating dietary recommendations will prevent most equine foot disease related to nutrition.

Lameness in fattening pigs - Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, osteochondropathy and reduced dietary phosphorus level as three influencing factors: a case report

BACKGROUND

Multiple diagnostic procedures, their results and interpretation in a case with severe lameness in fattening pigs are described. It is shown that selected diagnostic steps lead to identification of various risk factors for disease development in the affected herd. One focus of this case report is the prioritization of diagnostic steps to verify the impact of the different conditions, which finally led to the clinical disorder. Assessing a sufficient dietary phosphorus (P) supply and its impact on disease development proved most difficult. The diagnostic approach based on estimated calculation of phosphorus intake is presented in detail.

CASE PRESENTATION

On a farrow-to-finishing farm, lameness occurred in pigs with 30-70 kg body weight. Necropsy of three diseased pigs revealed claw lesions and alterations at the knee and elbow joints. Histologic findings were characteristic of osteochondrosis. All pigs were positively tested for Mycoplasma hyosynoviae in affected joints. P values in blood did not indicate a P deficiency, while bone ashing in one of three animals resulted in a level indicating an insufficient mineral supply. Analysis of diet composition revealed a low phosphorus content in two diets, which might have led to a marginal P supply in individuals with high average daily gains with respect to development of bone mass and connective tissue prior to presentation of affected animals. Finally, the impact of dietary factors for disease development could not be evidenced in all submitted animals in this case.

CONCLUSIONS

Mycoplasma (M.) hyosynoviae was identified to be an important etiologic factor for disease. Other, non-infectious factors, such as osteochondrosis and claw lesions might have favored development of lameness. In addition, a relevant marginal P supply for pigs was found in a limited time period in a phase of intense growing, but the potential interaction with infection by M. hyosynoviae is unknown. The presented case of severe lameness in fattening pigs revealed that three different influences presumably act in pathogenesis. Focusing only on one factor and ignoring others might be misleading regarding subsequent decision-making for prevention and therapy. Finally, clinical symptoms disappeared after some changes in diet composition and anti-inflammatory treatment of individual animals.

Analysis of influencing factors of boar claw lesion and lameness

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting boar claw lesions and lameness. A total of 1299 boars were examined for claw lesions and lameness, including 788 boars reared in individual pens with solid concreted floor (IPS) and 511 boars raised in individual stalls with slatted floor (ISS). Flooring type showed significant impacts on all claw lesion types (P < 0.01). Except for swelling ankle, boar age had significant effects on all other claw lesion types (P < 0.01). In addition, only heel overgrowth and erosion, cracked wall horizontal, heel-sole crack, dew claws, and toes were significantly related to boar breeds (P < 0.05). Furthermore, IPS lame boars had higher prevalence of lameness in the hind limb (P < 0.05), whereas in ISS lame boars, there were no significant differences in prevalence of lameness between the fore and hind limbs (P > 0.05). Boar lameness was moderately correlated with swelling ankle (Φ = 0.5571). In conclusion, claw lesions can be influenced by flooring type, boar age and breed, and could serve as a predictor for boar lameness.

Influence of floor type and stocking density on leg weakness, osteochondrosis and claw disorders in slaughter pigs

The effects of floor type and stocking density on leg weakness, osteochondrosis and claw disorders in slaughter pigs were studied. Three hundred pigs were housed in pens with either solid floors with plenty of straw, solid floors without straw or fully slatted floors at either high (0·65 m2 per pig) or low (1·2 m2 per pig) stocking density from 25 to 105 kg. In each pen half of the pigs were boars and half gilts of the breeds Landrace and Yorkshire ✕ Landrace crossbred. There was no difference in growth rate between the three floor types. The growth rate of the boars was higher at low compared with high stocking density, while no effect of stocking density was seen in the gilts. The prevalence of leg weakness and claw disorders was different for the various floor types, while no effect of floor type could be found on joint changes. With regard to leg weakness, slatted flooring was significantly worse than solid floors with or without straw for standing under position on hind legs, while pens with plenty of straw were significantly better than the other floor types with regard to stiff movement and forelegs turned out. A calculated sum of the nine leg weakness symptoms showed that pens with straw were the best followed by solid floor without straw, while slatted floors were the worst. Regarding claw disorders, solid floors without straw were the worst. High stocking density affected four leg weakness variables (buck-kneed forelegs, turned-out fore- and hind legs, standing under position on hind legs), one joint change and three claw disorders negatively. Boars scored worse than gilts with regard to one leg weakness trait and one claw disorder and thickening of cartilage in two joints. Differences between breeds differed for the examined variables. Claw hardness was affected by floor type with regard to medial claws, which were softer on slatted floors. The hind claws were softer than the foreclaws on the volar surface, while there was no difference between the hardness of the topside of the fore- and hind claws. Claw hardness was not affected by sex. In conclusion, it can be said that the examined floor types do not have the same effect on the different aspects of leg weaknesses and claw disorders. Thus, clinical leg problems are worst on slatted floors and best in pens with straw, but claw disorders are worst on solid floors without straw. Further, high stocking density specifically affects the clinical leg weaknesses and claw disorders. Joint changes were not affected by floor type or stocking density.

Effect of diet supplementation with chelated zinc, copper and manganese on hoof lesions of loose housed sows

Background

Hoof lesions are very common among sows and have been associated with lameness, early removal and compromised welfare and productivity. Although housing conditions and management can have an external effect on hoof health status, the role of trace mineral intake is vital in developing hoof structure and integrity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a diet supplemented with organic complexes of trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn), partly substituting their inorganic form, on hoof lesions of sows in three Greek swine herds.

Results

A total of 518 sows were initially examined for hoof lesions and their respective severity was scored. For each hoof, the length of toes and dew claws were evaluated and five anatomical hoof sites, the heel, the sole, the white line, the wall and the coronary band, were examined for lesions. Subsequently, the same sows were re-scored after one or two gestations on diets supplemented with organic trace minerals, partly substituting their inorganic salt form (organic form of Zn 45 ppm, Cu 14 ppm and Mn 25 ppm of the total 125 ppm of Zn, 15 ppm of Cu and 40 ppm of Mn, respectively). The odds of the higher versus the lower lesion scores were significantly lower after than before the inclusion of the organic minerals in sows’ diet, for each of the considered foot sites with the exception of the coronary band, with a distinct effect according to foot location. Specifically, on rear feet the improvement of hoof lesions was either smaller (for heel, sole and wall) than on front feet or not significant (for white line, toe and dew claw length). Additionally, for each foot site and herd examined, after the inclusion of the organic minerals, there were more sows with either the same or lower lesion score, with the exception of the toe and the dew claw length in one of the herds.

Conclusions

Within the specific conditions in the three studied herds, our findings highlight the role of chelated trace minerals in sows’ hoof health, suggesting an applicable and rewarding intervention to prevent hoof lesions.

A cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors for foot lesions and abnormal posture in lactating sows on commercial farms in England

A cross-sectional study of lactating sows in 71 commercial pig herds in England was carried out to estimate the prevalence of foot lesions and abnormal posture and investigate the associated risks. Observational data were collected on the standing posture, lesions on the hind left foot, and the pen the sow was housed in for 233 sows. The prevalence of foot lesions was 76.8% and 10.8% of lactating sows had abnormal posture. Sows housed on slatted floors during pregnancy had an associated increased risk of heel flaps but a reduced risk of toe erosion, compared with sows housed on solid concrete floors with bedding during pregnancy. There was an increased risk of abnormal posture in lactating sows housed on slatted floors during pregnancy compared with those housed on solid concrete floors with straw bedding during pregnancy. In addition, there was an increased risk of abnormal posture in lactating sows with wounds on the limbs and erosions on the toe and the heel/sole. The positive association between abnormal posture and foot lesions suggests that these lesions might be painful. Housing sows on solid floors during pregnancy might reduce the risk of abnormal posture, and certain foot lesions, in sows during lactation. However, posture is a less sensitive measure of lameness than gait, and the nature of the causal relationship between foot lesions and lameness requires further investigation.

A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of foot lesions in post-weaning pigs and risks associated with floor type on commercial farms in England

We carried out a cross-sectional study during 2003 and 2004 to establish the prevalence and risk factors associated with floor type for commonly observed foot lesions in pigs aged 6, 8 and 14 weeks. The overall prevalence of foot lesions was 39.6% in 2283 pigs from 90 representative pig farms in England. The most prevalent lesions were heel/sole bruising (7.1%), heel/sole erosion (10.8%), heel flaps (8.4%) and toe erosion (11.6%). Pigs were kept on either solid (41%), partly slatted (28%) or fully slatted (31%) floors. Of the 104 pens with a solid floor, 26% of pens were outside with straw bedding on a soil base, 33% were indoors with deep bedding on solid concrete, 25% were partly deeply bedded on solid concrete and 16% were sparsely bedded on solid concrete. Only six of the pens with partly slatted floors were bedded. Multilevel logistic-regression models were built using data from 100 farms to examine the risks for individual foot lesions with prevalences >5%. The prevalence of toe erosions was positively associated with deep bedding, whereas deep bedding and soil floors were negatively associated with the prevalence of heel/sole erosions. Heel flaps and heel/sole bruising were both associated with slatted floors, possibly indicating a common aetiology. The greatest reduction in prevalence of all these lesions, from AFp calculations, would be achieved by moving pigs from slatted floors onto solid floors.

The Vertical Ground Reaction Force and the Pressure Distribution on the Claws of Dairy Cows While Walking on a Flat Substrate

The pressure distribution under the bovine claw while walking was measured to test the hypotheses that the vertical ground reaction force is unevenly distributed and makes some (regions of the) claws more prone to injuries due to overloading than others. Each limb of nine recently trimmed Holstein Friesian cows was measured five times while walking over a Footscan pressure plate firmly embedded on a Kistler force plate. The pressure plate had a spatial resolution of 2.6 sensors/cm2 and was sampled simultaneously with the force plate with a temporal resolution of 250 measurements/s. Five moments during the stance phase were selected on basis of the force plate recording for the analysis of the pressure distribution: heel strike, maximum braking, midstance, maximum propulsion, and push off. At the forelimbs, the vertical ground reaction force was equally distributed between medial and lateral claw. At the hind limbs at heel strike, the force was exerted almost completely to the lateral claw. During the rest of the stance phase the load shifted towards the medial claw, until, at push off, it was more or less equally divided between both claws. The average pressures determined were 50 to 80 N/cm2. Maximum pressures increased from 90 to 110 N/cm2 at heel strike to 180 to 200 N/cm2 at push off. It was concluded that at the hind limb these pressures constitute a major threat to overloading particularly for the softer parts of the lateral claw, e.g., the sole and bulb area.

The pressure distribution under the bovine claw during square standing on a flat substrate

The distribution pattern of pressure over the bovine claw was investigated to test the hypothesis that the ground reaction force is unevenly distributed and makes some regions of the claw more prone to overloading and injury than others. In eight recently trimmed Holstein Friesian cows, the distribution of vertical pressure was measured during square standing with a spatial resolution of 2.6 sensors/cm2 and a temporal resolution of 313 measurements/s. In each animal, the localization of maximum pressure per foot and per claw was determined during five trials. In the front limb, maximum pressures were normally found on the medial claw; in the hindlimb they were located on the lateral claw. In both claws, the highest pressures were found on the sole of the foot and not on the wall. In the front limbs, maximum pressures were located in the posterior portion of the sole; in the hind limb in the anterior portion. There was no difference in the location of the maximum pressure between the medial and lateral claw in either limb. The regions in which these maximum pressures occur are known to be relatively susceptible to injuries. This could indicate a causal relation between the location of pressure concentrations and claw diseases found in clinical observations.

Osteochondrosis/osteoarthrosis and claw disorders in sows, associated with leg weakness

The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between different leg weakness symptoms and osteochondrosis/osteoarthrosis and claw disorders in sows together with the influence of age on these findings. One hundred and seventeen sows in one herd were followed from 6 months of age until culling and judged for leg weakness once in every gestation using a scale from 1 (normal) to 4 (severe changes). At slaughter changes in joints, growth plates and claws were scored on a scale from 1 (normal) to 5 (very severe changes). Osteoarthrotic changes were strongly associated with osteochondral changes in humeral and femoral condyles. The clinical signs of osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis were found to be: buck-kneed forelegs, turn out of fore and hind legs, upright pasterns on hind legs, stiff locomotion, lameness and tendency to slip. The clinical signs of claw lesions were found to be: buck-kneed forelegs, upright pasterns, steep hock joints, turn out of hind legs, standing under position on hind legs, stiff movements, swaying hindquarters, goose-stepping hind legs, tendency to slip and lameness. Overgrown claws were strongly associated with leg weakness indicating the need for claw trimming in sow populations.

Housing of pregnant sows in loose and confined systems--a field study. 2. Claw lesions: morphology, prevalence, location and relation to age

A field study of 36 Norwegian sow herds was conducted over a 12 month period, 18 herds had loose housing of pregnant sows and 18 herds had confined (stalled or tethered) dry sows. Fifteen of the loose housing herds had partly slatted concrete floors while 3 herds had other kinds of flooring. The types of claw lesions that were observed in these herds are described. The most prevalent lesions on both loose sows and confined sows were side wall cracks, heel lesions, cracks in the white line and overgrown heels. The lateral hind claws were the most frequent location for lesions and they were more severe than at other sites. These lesions tended to show a bilateral occurrence. More than 96% of slaughtered loose sows and 80% of slaughtered confined sows had at least 1 lesion on the lateral hind claws. The prevalence of claw lesions showed no obvious age pattern. However the prevalence seemed to be lower for the first litter sows and increased slightly thereafter, especially in the confined herds.

Review of health problems in group-housed sows, with special emphasis on lameness

In the Netherlands, there is a trend towards housing gestating sows in groups. Vulva biting and lameness have been described as major health problems in group-housed sows. Besides these problems, the effects of group housing on morbidity, reproduction parameters and the occurrence of infectious disease have been investigated. The literature is reviewed, with special emphasis on lameness.

Effect of dietary biotin supplement on equine hoof horn growth rate and hardness

Over a 10-month period, 24 randomly selected riding horses were fed various amounts of biotin. Statistically significant improvements in growth rates and hardness of hooves were produced by biotin supplementation. Greater growth rates and hardness were achieved at a daily dose of 15 mg than at 7.5 mg. Increased hoof hardness was greatest in the hoof quarters and toe. No ring formation occurred in hooves of horses fed biotin intermittently.

Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: scanning electron microscopy

Pathologic hoof changes in horses and swine can be normalized by administration of biotin. This vitamin has been given orally to women with brittle fingernails or onychoschizia. The aim of the study was to test whether the favorable clinical results could be corroborated by scanning electron microscopy. We investigated the distal ends of the fingernails from 32 persons. They were placed into three groups: group A consisted of 10 control subjects with normal nails, group B comprised eight patients with brittle nails studied before and after biotin treatment, and group C was 14 patients with brittle nails in whom the administration of biotin did not coincide exactly with the initial and terminal clipping of the nails. The thickness of the nails in group B increased significantly by 25%. In group C, the increase was 7%. Splitting of the nails were reduced in groups B and C and the irregular cellular arrangement of the dorsal surface of brittle nails became more regular in all nails of group B and in 8 of 11 nails of group C.

Uncombable hair syndrome: observations on response to biotin and occurrence in siblings with ectodermal dysplasia

Three children are reported with uncombable hair syndrome, consisting of slow-growing, straw-colored scalp hair that could not be combed flat. The hairs appeared normal on light microscopy but on scanning electron microscopy were triangular in cross section, with canal-like longitudinal depressions. Oral biotin, 0.3 mg three times a day, produced significant improvement after 4 months in one patient, with increased growth rate and with strength and combability of the hair, although the triangular shape remained. The other two patients were unique in having associated ectodermal dysplasia. Their hair slowly improved in appearance and combability over 5 years without biotin therapy.

Biotin in swine nutrition

For many years, it was believed that supplemental biotin was not needed in swine diets because of the wide distribution of biotin in feedstuffs used in the formulation of swine diets, and because of the known synthesis of biotin by the animal's intestinal microflora. However, interest in biotin nutrition for swine was rekindled in the mid-1970s when several field reports indicated a biotin deficiency in swine that was responsive to biotin supplementation in many cases. Results from university research are accumulating, especially from long-term sow studies (three to four parities), which suggest that supplemental biotin will improve litter size, conception rate, weaning-to-estrus interval, toe lesions, and haircoat condition. Milk biotin concentration and plasma biotin concentration of sows and piglets were also elevated when supplemental biotin was fed. Using presently available feedstuffs and under modern swine production conditions, a marginal biotin deficiency is possible. Swine producers experiencing poor reproductive performance in their sow herds, associated with excessive loss of hair and severe foot lesions, should evaluate the biotin content of their sow diet and consider supplemental biotin.