Prävalenz von Hilfsschleimbeuteln (Bursae auxiliares) und Klauenverletzungen bei Mastschweinen zum Schlachtzeitpunkt – Ergebnisse einer Studie an vier Schlachthöfen

The formation of auxiliary bursae is not part of the embryonal development but occurs as a pathologic reaction to a trauma, especially when exposed parts of the extremities are mechanically stressed. Among other reasons the keeping of pigs on artificial flooring and in particular the use of fully slatted flooring surfaces plays an important role.In a study at four abattoirs in Southern Germany we investigated the prevalence of auxiliary bursae in fattening pigs at the time of delivery and during meat inspection. For that purpose classification criteria were developed to record and graduate the occurrence and type of severity of bursae. Animals without appearance of bursae were graded 0, while animals with bursae being lightly, moderately or severely pronounced were graded 1, 2 and 3 respectively. 91.2% of 9 2 randomly selected finishers from conventional keeping showed prevalence of grade 1 to 3 bursae (grade 1: 7.7%; grade 2: 3. %; grade 3: 0.7 %), only 2.2% of these pigs were not affected (grade 0). In addition, claw injuries were detected in 26.5% of another group of 00 randomly selected fattening pigs.The prevalence of auxiliary bursae in a control group, consisting of 52 animals from organic production, was only 13.2%. In this group, the detected bursae were less pronounced (grade 1) and no claw injuries appeared.The high prevalence of technopathies such as auxiliary bursae and claw injuries in fattening pigs from conventional production points to the need for action regarding animal welfare and are relevant for operative selfmonitoring measurements based on the German animal protection law (§ 11). Information on the origin of the animals, i. e. on farms, was not available throughout the study because of privacy reasons. In order to investigate causal factors for the development of auxiliary bursae and claw injuries beyond the keeping of animals on fully slatted floors, a study on risk factors is necessary. Our data demonstrate that collection of animal welfare data collected at slaughter is needed as a base for veterinary guidance and onfarm interventions aiming to improve animal health and welfare standards.