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.
Cleveland-Nielsen
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Department of Animal Science and Animal Health, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Grønnegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. acln@fdir.dk
Baekbo
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Ersbøll
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AK
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