Impact of Lifting Techniques on Piglet Health
Author Information
Author(s): Barington Kristiane, Hansen Marie Høy, Andersen Amanda Bastian, Pedersen Ken Steen, Larsen Inge
Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
Does lifting female piglets by one hind leg increase the risk of umbilical and hind leg lesions?
Conclusion
Lifting female piglets by one hind leg did not significantly increase the risk of umbilical hernia, omphalitis, or joint lesions compared to lifting with abdominal support.
Supporting Evidence
- The risk of haemosiderophages in the umbilicus was 1.4 times higher in piglets lifted by one hind leg.
- Omphalitis was present in 68% of piglets lifted by one leg and 58% with abdominal support.
- Umbilical hernias were found in 14% of piglets lifted by one leg and 12% with abdominal support.
Takeaway
The way piglets are lifted doesn't seem to hurt them more, whether by one leg or with support under their belly.
Methodology
The study involved 1901 piglets divided into two groups, one lifted by one hind leg and the other with abdominal support, with 100 piglets undergoing necropsy and histopathological evaluation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the handling method not being standardized across all piglets.
Limitations
The study was limited to one herd and only female piglets were included.
Participant Demographics
All participants were female piglets from a Danish commercial indoor sow herd.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
1.1–1.8
Statistical Significance
p=0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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