Monitoring Claw Length, Feet Infrared Temperature, Mobility and Backfat Tissue Changes in Replacement Gilts of Different Genetic Lines in Three Farrow-to-Finish Herds in Greece

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Claw health condition is of major importance for modern hyperprolific sow productivity and longevity and pig operations profitability. Infrared technologies (IRTs) have been used in human medicine and recently in the claw health and foot temperature distribution evaluation of purebred sows. The current study presents the results of monitoring claw length, claw lesion, anisodactylia, backfat thickness, mobility and reproductive performance evolution from weaning age to second parturition in replacement gilts of different genetic lines (PIC, DANBRED and TOPIGS) in three farrow-to-finish herds in Greece, concurrently with temperature distribution evaluation using infrared technologies. The majority of the assessed characteristics showed statistical differences across herds at the first and second parturition, as well as at the weaning age. The fact that the three herds’ housing, flooring, management and feeding procedures were essentially the same suggests that there may be genetic variation in the analyzed parameters’ conformation. However, more research is necessary to clarify the relationships between the temperature distribution of the feet and the claw health indicators, mobility, backfat thickness and reproductive efficiency. The development of infrared technology as a practical, accurate and dependable technique for the early diagnosis of claw health issues in replacement gilts may be crucial for practicing veterinarians. ABSTRACT: Feet infrared temperature is associated with feet health and may affect the reproductive performance of sows. In total, 137, 98 and 114 replacement gilts were selected at the age of weaning from 3 herds—A, B and C—with different genetic lines. Dorsal claw length was measured, and anisodactylia was measured in all four feet, at weaning age, and at those gilts that completed their first and second farrowing. At the first and second farrowing stage, the infrared temperature distribution, dew/claw length and backfat thickness were measured concurrently with claw lesion and mobility score evaluation. The maximum temperature significantly differed (p < 0.01) among herds, in the rear feet and in all four feet at the first and second farrowing respectively. Claw lengths statistically differed among herds at all stages (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia in rear feet was lower in herd A (p < 0.05) at weaning, and in herd C at the first and second farrowing (p < 0.05). In addition, the claw lesion score, mobility, backfat thickness and reproductive performance statistically differed among herds (p < 0.05). It is shown that even at an early stage of their reproductive life, claw length differences exist in replacement gilts of different genetic lines.