Entry of gilt progeny into the breeding herd

Gilt progeny have lighter birthweights, slower growth rates and higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to sow progeny.

There is minimal data to show that effects these characteristics may have on the future reproductive performance and longevity of these progeny and whether it is economically viable to include them in the breeding herd.

Value for producers:

• Evidence that producers can/should include gilt progeny in their breeding herd.

Recommendations:

• Gilt progeny may be less developed reproductively at selection and therefore show higher rates of anoestrus than sow progeny before the first mating.
• After farrowing their first litter, gilt progeny perform just as well in the breeding herd as sow progeny and last up until at least parity 3.
• It is recommended to continue to include gilt progeny in the replacement gilt selection process.
• Further research is needed to determine if gilt progeny require separate selection criteria to sow progeny to reduce reproductive wastage from higher rates of anoestrus.