Best practice gilt management

The best practice gilt management manual for fertility and longevity combines the findings from multiple research projects into a guide containing best practice gilt development and management recommendations.

Value for producers:

• Implementing best practice gilt development and management recommendations will ensure producers reduce their average annual replacement rates and improve sow productivity and longevity.

Recommendations:

• Replacement gilt selection and development begins in the farrowing house
• An average pre-weaning daily gain of greater than 125g improves mating and farrowing outcomes in replacement gilts
• Selection of gilts should not occur before they are at least 20 weeks old, and at a weight of 135 to 150kg by 30 to 34 weeks of age