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Related Experiment Videos

Management of replacement breeding animals.

R N Kirkwood1, P A Thacker

  • 1Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.

The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice
|November 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Select replacement gilts before 110 kg body weight, ensuring puberty through boar exposure and ad libitum feeding. Breeding at the second estrus maximizes litter size and productive life for optimal swine farm performance.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Swine Production

Background:

  • Optimal gilt selection and management are crucial for maximizing sow productivity and longevity.
  • Current practices involve selection before 110 kg body weight, utilizing ad libitum feeding and boar exposure to induce puberty.
  • Future production systems may necessitate earlier gilt identification and tailored feeding regimens due to advancements in genetics and growth technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline best practices for selecting and managing replacement gilts and boars for efficient swine production.
  • To provide guidance on optimal breeding timing and body condition for gilts to enhance litter size and sow longevity.
  • To emphasize the importance of social interaction for the libido development in on-farm raised boars.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Review of current gilt selection criteria, including body weight and pubertal development.
  • Analysis of feeding strategies (ad libitum vs. restricted) and their impact on gilt development.
  • Evaluation of breeding timing (second vs. third estrus) and its effect on litter size and sow productive life.
  • Consideration of body weight and backfat depth targets for gilt breeding.
  • Assessment of nutritional and social management for replacement boars.

Main Results:

  • Gilts selected before 110 kg body weight, with induced puberty, are recommended.
  • Breeding at the second estrus is optimal for maximizing first litter size; delaying to the third estrus offers no significant advantage.
  • Breeding gilts at 110 kg with 14-16 mm backfat is viable if lactation condition loss is managed; otherwise, 120-130 kg with 18 mm backfat maximizes productive life.
  • On-farm raised boars require social interaction to prevent reduced libido.

Conclusions:

  • Strategic gilt selection and management, including appropriate feeding and breeding protocols, are key to successful swine operations.
  • Balancing gilt development for early breeding versus maximizing productive life depends on farm-specific management capabilities.
  • Proper social and nutritional management of boars is essential for maintaining reproductive soundness.