Comparison of blunt versus functional claw trimming effects on sow gait

Objective: To determine the effect of functional claw trimming versus blunt claw trimming on the gait of sows. Materials and methods: Nineteen sows (PIC C29) were transported to the research center and claws were trimmed 3 times over an 8-day period. Dewclaws were trimmed even with the coronary band of the hoof on day 1. Claws were blunt trimmed on day 4 and functional trimming occurred on day 8. The gait of each sow was recorded prior to each trimming to compare the effect of the previous trimming. A final gait recording was taken on day 12. The gait data collected from the sows was compared across days to determine if any changes occurred. Results: Positive improvements in gait data were noted after dewclaw trimming. Changes were seen in velocity (P = .03), stride length (P = .02), stride duration (P = .04), stance (P = .04), and rear percent stance (P = .03). Blunt trimming offset the improvement gained by trimming dewclaws, seen in the changes to rear percent stance (P = .02) and front swing (P = .04). Functional trimming increased the improvement observed by trimming dewclaws. Changes were seen in the stance (P < .001), percent stance (P < .001), stride duration (P = .003), stride length (P = .008), and velocity (P = .003). Implications: Trimming dewclaws and functionally trimming claws improved the sow’s gait. Blunt trimming did not provide the same benefits observed by trimming dewclaws or functionally trimming the claws.