Caused by insufficient wear, this sow's longest toe was over 3.5", nearly twice the normal length. Sows require movement on a slightly abrasive floor to wear the bottom of the hooves and thereby compensate for hoof growth. Excessively long toes such as these discourage normal movement, because of discomfort, pain and difficulty with equilibrium. As a result, the toes grow longer from too little abrasion. To remedy this condition, trim small amounts of the overgrown toe until some pink is visible, but avoid causing bleeding. To prevent the problem, provide housing that encourages sow movement and flooring that permits some hoof abrasion.

Overgrown toes

Credit: National Pork Board

Digital Credit: NULL

Publisher: National Pork Board

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Description: Caused by insufficient wear, this sow's longest toe was over 3.5", nearly twice the normal length. Sows require movement on a slightly abrasive floor to wear the bottom of the hooves and thereby compensate for hoof growth. Excessively long toes such as these discourage normal movement, because of discomfort, pain and difficulty with equilibrium. As a result, the toes grow longer from too little abrasion. To remedy this condition, trim small amounts of the overgrown toe until some pink is visible, but avoid causing bleeding. To prevent the problem, provide housing that encourages sow movement and flooring that permits some hoof abrasion.

Resolution: 3072x2048

File Size: 2.74 MB

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Overgrown toes

Credit: National Pork Board

Digital Credit: NULL

Publisher: National Pork Board