{"id":65147,"date":"2024-12-10T13:58:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T18:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/?p=65147"},"modified":"2025-02-18T16:05:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T21:05:23","slug":"selection-development-and-management-of-replacement-gilts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/en_na\/resource-center\/blog\/selection-development-and-management-of-replacement-gilts\/","title":{"rendered":"Selection, Development and Management of Replacement Gilts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Replacement gilts are an important piece of the puzzle for the future productivity of the sow herd, but despite their importance, they often receive low priority. To ensure a successful sow replacement plan, optimal physical development, proper selection, immunity building, pre-breeding preparation and puberty stimulation are all essential for the herd\u2019s reproductive success. Consequently, the conditions in which we raise gilts, including their environment and management, should reflect their high value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optimizing Gilt Selection: Key Factors from Birth to Weaning<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective gilt selection begins at birth. Gilts with higher birthweights (>1.3 kg) tend to remain longer in the sow herd compared to lighter gilts, that have higher removal rates due to anestrus and produce fewer pigs over multiple parities. Additionally, gilts from male-dominated litters often underperform later due to higher androgen exposure in utero, leading to masculinization and reduced reproductive performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colostrum intake may influence ovarian and uterine development, resulting in increased puberty age, reduced lifetime and poor lactation performance. Gilts raised in smaller litters of less than seven piglets are heavier at weaning, reach puberty earlier and have better retention rates over six parities compared to those from larger litters of more than 10 piglets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-selection should occur at weaning. Gilts with pre-weaning gains of less than 125 g\/day are less likely to be selected for breeding. A weaning age of more than 25 days increases the likelihood of selection, as these gilts tend to have better growth and reproductive outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Selection of Replacement Gilts<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper selection of replacement gilts should be based on their predicted genetic reproductive ability and phenotypic traits. As litter size and growth rates increase until the third or fourth parity, longevity and lifetime reproductive performance become highly important for the financial success of the system. Many sows are removed between the first and second parity due to reproductive failure, lameness or other health issues, making initial gilt selection critical for a solid herd foundation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, \u201cmarginal\u201d gilts are selected to meet short-term breeding targets, but these gilts are frequently removed early, negatively impacting herd performance and leading to higher losses in the nursery and beyond. Slow-growing animals, gilts with poor health, ruptures, abnormal anus and vulva, locomotion problems, bent backs, leg and claw defects and weak pasterns should be excluded from the gilt pool. Detailed instructions for evaluating legs and claws can be found in the Zinpro\u00ae Gilt Selection Guide<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Housing, Nutrition, Health and Acclimatization Management<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several factors, including genetics, nutrition, health and management, influence a gilt\u2019s ability to remain in the herd long-term. Optimal growing conditions\u2014such as appropriate stocking density, feeder space, water supply and environmental management\u2014must be maintained from birth to first breeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When gilts are purchased from outside sources, an 8-12-week quarantine is typically required to acclimatize them to the farm\u2019s health conditions and protect the farm from external threats. The quarantine unit should be completely separate from the reproduction unit and ideally operate on an \u201cAll-In, All-Out\u201d system (pigs are kept together, matched by age, weight, production stage, condition throughout their lifecycle) by barn or house to break the infection chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Tips to Properly Manage Gilts<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Receiving Gilts: <\/p>\n\n\n\n