Osteoporosis, ricketts, Vit D deficiency

Osteoporosis is caused by a lack of calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D, which causes weak bones prone to fractures.

Incidence is higher on modern swine productions, especially in gilts whose skeleton is still growing and who have a high calcium demand for milk production, which results in bone demineralization. Since pigs are housed inside buildings, they have restricted access to the sun, which reduces natural vitamin D production.

Affected bones have a fairly normal structure, but become thinner, especially at the denser parts and in the diaphysis of long bones. This increases susceptibility to fractures.

Sows and fattening stage

• Pain.
• Sudden lameness.
• Fracture of long bones.
• Sudden death.

Nursing and transition piglets

• Rare.

• It may be due to insufficient calcium in the diet or a calcium/phosphorus imbalance.
• Poor or inadequate absorption of the diet.
• Lack of exercise.
• Using an inactivated vitamin D supplement, especially when the vitamin is purchased and stored for several months.
• Errors in diet formulation or mixing.

• Based on clinical signs.
• On farms with these problems, X-ray studies of the bones of affected animals must be performed to differentiate osteomalacia from osteoporosis.
• Levels of calcium and phosphorus may be normal.
• Diet analysis.
• Histopathology.
• Analysis of bones, especially of the 2nd rib.

• In the case of bone fracture, it is best to cull the pig.
• Increase exercise levels during the gestation period, if possible.
• Control levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the diet.
• Give oral supplement of Vitamin D to piglets at weaning.