Herd-related risk factors for decubital ulcers present at post-mortem meat-inspection of Danish sows.
We quantified risk factors for the prevalence of decubital ulcers (noted in meat-inspection records) in the shoulder region of Danish cull sows. The potential risk factors (herd-owner characteristics, production facilities and management) were obtained through telephone interviews based on a questionnaire. Meat-inspection records were obtained from the Danish Bacon and Meat Council (DBMC). The prevalence of decubital ulcers was investigated in 23,794 sows from 207 sow herds undergoing mandatory post-mortem meat-inspection at the four Danish abattoirs under the DBMC slaughtering sows in the year 2000. Three factors were associated with decreased herd prevalence of decubital ulcers in the mixed model: using one's own gilts for replacement, routinely using a hospital pen and production of pigs under certain welfare requirements. Two factors increased the prevalence: confined sows (stalled and tethered or tethered) and two persons working in the farrowing units instead of one.
Department of Animal Science and Animal Health, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Grønnegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. acln@fdir.dk
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Cleveland-Nielsen
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Baekbo
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D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005513:Food Inspection; D008460:Meat; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015995:Prevalence; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology