Changes in the Epiphyseal Cartilage of Immature Pigs Without Clinical Lameness

Abstract

Histological examination of epiphyseal cartilages from 36 clinically normal, immature pigs of varying age, sex, and breed, revealed a high incidence of cosinophilic streaking and patches, irregularity in the length of columns of chondrocytes, disturbances in the metaphyseal blood supply to the plate, and local abnormalities in cartilaginous growth. It is concluded that these change are pathological, but not a cause of ‘leg weakness’ in pigs.