Infrared Thermography Evaluation of Feet Temperature and Its Association with Claw Lengths and Anisodactylia in Purebred Sows of Three Greek Herds

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of lower feet temperature with claw lengths measurements in purebred sows. In total 22, 19 and 45 multiparous sows in three herds A, B and C of PIC, DANBRED and TOPIGS genetic lines respectively participated in the study. Mean parity was 2.5, 2.3 and 3.0 for sows from herds A, B and C respectively. Measurements were made during the periparturient period. Infrared temperature distribution was measured in carpus/tarsus, upper-lower metacarpi/metatarsi and phalanges (IRT1, IRT2, IRT3 and IRT4 respectively). In addition, dorsal, diagonal, heel-sole and dew claw lengths of medial and lateral claw were measured and the difference in dorsal claw length between medial and lateral claw (anisodactylia) was calculated in all four feet. Differences between herds regarding IRT and claw length measurements were analyzed with one-way ANOVA with herds as a fixed factor. Correlations between IRT and claw length measurements in each foot including data from all herds were evaluated using the Pearson's correlation test. Maximum IRT1 to 4 in almost all rear feet, differed significantly between herds, being lower in sows of herd C than A and B (p < 0.05). Claw lengths of all feet were lower in herd C than those of A and B (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia, differed significantly only in rear feet between herds been higher in herd A than C and B (p < 0.05). In all sows, claw lengths and rear feet anisodactylia were positively correlated with maximum IRT1 to IRT4 (p < 0.05). According to the results, IRT temperature distribution of lower feet of purebred sows of different genetic lines were positive correlated with claw lengths measurements and anisodactylia. Collectively, measuring IRT temperature of lower feet of sows with mobile IRT device could be used as an additional tool towards monitoring feet and claw health.

Keywords: anisodactylia; claw length; infrared thermography; sow.

Figure 1

Analog and thermograme view of the regions of interest of one front and the opposite rear foot of two sows. (A): Analog view of front left foot; (B): Thermograme of front left foot; (C): Regions of interest, Bx1 Carpus area, Bx2 Upper Metacarpus, Bx3 Lower Metacarpi, Bx4 Phalanges. (D): Analog view of rear right foot; (E): Thermograme of rear right foot; (F): Region of interest, Bx1 Tarsus area, Bx2 Upper Metatarsi, Bx3 Lower Metatarsi, Bx4 Phalanges.

Figure 1

Analog and thermograme view of the regions of interest of one front and the opposite rear foot of two sows. (A): Analog view of front left foot; (B): Thermograme of front left foot; (C): Regions of interest, Bx1 Carpus area, Bx2 Upper Metacarpus, Bx3 Lower Metacarpi, Bx4 Phalanges. (D): Analog view of rear right foot; (E): Thermograme of rear right foot; (F): Region of interest, Bx1 Tarsus area, Bx2 Upper Metatarsi, Bx3 Lower Metatarsi, Bx4 Phalanges.

Figure 2

Claw length measurements: Dorsal length (A); Diagonal length (B); Heel–sole length (C); Dew claw length (D).

Figure 3

Infrared thermograms of the front left foot of two sows that differ in dorsal claw lengths with mild anisodactylia. IRT1 (Bx1); IRT2 (Bx2); IRT3 (Bx3); IRT4 (Bx4). (A) medial dorsal length 41.03 mm; lateral dorsal length 43.32 mm; Anisodactylia 2.29 mm; (B) medial dorsal length 59.66 mm; lateral dorsal length 61.64 mm; Anisodactylia 1.98 mm.

Figure 4

Infrared thermograms of the rear right feet of two sows that differ in dorsal claw lengths with severe anisodactylia. IRT1 (Bx1); IRT2 (Bx2); IRT3 (Bx3); IRT4 (Bx4). (A) medial dorsal length 46.84 mm; lateral dorsal length 55.45 mm; Anisodactylia 8.61 mm; (B) medial dorsal length 63.87 mm; lateral dorsal length 71.14 mm; Anisodactylia 7.27 mm.