Addressing Sow Lameness

Lameness is one of the most frequent and costly reasons for sow removal on commercial pig farms. Locomotion problems often lead to premature culling, particularly in early parities, reducing sow longevity and lifetime productivity. These involuntary removals not only affect economic efficiency but also compromise animal welfare and overall farm sustainability.

Structural integrity, supported by optimal trace mineral nutrition, plays a central role in mitigating locomotion-related culling.

Improving Sow Longevity Through Better Trace Mineral Nutrition

In a commercial 3-year study conducted in the U.S., NOVUS evaluated the impact of MINTREX® Bis-Chelated Trace Minerals on sow performance and retention. Sows received diets containing 60 ppm Zn, 10 ppm Cu, and 20 ppm Mn from MINTREX® Bis-Chelated Trace Minerals, replacing similar levels of inorganic trace minerals (ITMs), starting at three weeks of age.

Key results included:

• 55% reduction in removals due to locomotion
• Significantly fewer involuntary culls overall
• 10% more sows reaching parity 4
• 1.7 more pigs weaned per sow*
• 2.3 percentage point improvement in farrowing rate

Figure 1 – Reduction in Sow Mortality Due to Locomotion

Table 1 – MINTREX® Improved Locomotion and Reduced Culling

Conclusion: Invest in Longevity, Not Just Output

As the global swine industry focuses increasingly on sow longevity and sustainable production, addressing lameness is non-negotiable. The right trace mineral form makes a measurable difference. MINTREX® Bis-Chelated Trace Minerals are engineered to deliver superior bioavailability and structural support, helping sows stay in the herd longer, remain productive across multiple parities, and ultimately improve overall farm performance.

* Results may vary. Based on controlled conditions.

Reference

Zhao, J.M., Harrell, R., Greiner, L., Allee, G., and Knight, C. 2012. Chelated trace minerals support sow reproduction. Feedstuffs 84:1–3.