Abstract:

Rubber mat placement in a farrowing and lactation facility: Tips and techniques

Magnus Campler, PhD; Monique Pairis-Garcia, DVM, PhD; Kenneth J. Stalder, PhD; Anna K. Johnson, PhD

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Sow lameness may result in severe economic consequences to the producer, as lameness has been associated with increases in involuntary culling, poor reproductive performance, and suboptimal sow longevity. Lameness prevalence and severity are impacted by facility design, with a particular focus on hard concrete surfaces. Use of rubber mats has been previously investigated for its ability to increase sow comfort, prevent lameness development, and mitigate lameness severity. However, limited recommendations or guidelines are available to producers and veterinarians to successfully implement on-farm mat use. This production tool provides guidelines and techniques for selecting, installing, and maintaining rubber mats in farrowing stalls for multiparous sows.

Keywords: lameness, rubber mats, on-farm, stall

RIS citationCite as: Campler M, Pairis-Garcia M, Stalder KJ, et al. Rubber mat placement in a farrowing and lactation facility: Tips and techniques. J Swine Health Prod 2016;24(3):142-146.

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