Replacement Gilts

Selection of replacement gilts should begin at birth. Notch gilts from large uniform litters that are free from any abnormalities. Temperament, ease of farrowing and mothering ability of the sow should also be used to help aid the selection process.

At weaning screen gilts so that only the fastest growing gilts with an excess of 12 well spaced teats remain selected. At this stage a 100 sow herd should identify 2-3 replacement gilt candidates each week (about 2-3 times the number required for replacement purposes).

At 85-95 kg a further selection process should eliminate slow growing gilts or those with locomotor problems. The underline of the gilt should be closely examined and only gilts with at least 6 well spaced functional teats on each side should be retained for breeding. Gilts with inverted or scarred teats should not be retained. The external genitalia of gilts should be normally developed and gilts with small vulvas should not be retained for breeding. At this stage a 100 sow herd should be selecting 5-6 gilts every month (ie about 25% more than that required for replacement purposes).

Introduce boar contact when gilts are approximately 110 kg. Gilts should be at least 140 kg and on their second or third heat when served. A 100 sow herd should aim to serve between 4 and 5 gilts every month (depending on farrowing rate) so that gilt servings as a percentage of herd size is maintained at between 45 and 50%.