Gilt Management For Sow Longevity
By: Paul Walker Thompson
Written: May 14, 2015
We can prepare for Selecting Gilts in order to improve Sow Longevity. This can start as early as two days of age. A Sow’s Lifetime Production can be increased if she is placed in a Less Competitive Environment during her rearing during Nursing (i.e Pre-Weaning). This is especially true for gilts being born at Birth Weights of 2.6 pounds to 3.5 pounds.(#1) Really big piglets, and really small piglets, are barely affected in terms of improved Sow Lifetime Productivity (up to Sixth Parity) by Cross-Fostering. However, medium size gilts can be greatly aided by Cross-Fostering to a Less Competitive Litter.(#1) Both large and medium sized piglets, from large litters, can be selected for Replacement Females. (#1)
I would like to hear from you about your Initial Program For Selecting Replacement Gilts at a very early age.
(#1) Flowers, Dr. Billy NCSU; Jeff Vallet USDA-ARS and Joe Cassady SDSU “Birthweight, neonatal management and sow longevity potential” National Hog Farmer April 10, 2015
