Prevent sow lameness via gilt development

摘要

GILTS represent the future of the sow herd and make up close to 25% of the U.S. swine population; however, the importance of gilt development to the sow's lifetime contribution to the herd is often underestimated.Because gilts represent the newest genetic pool, focusing on gilt nutrition and development can help producers move forward quickly.Gilt development begins after pigs exit the nursery. Industry data suggest that gilts should be fed for production once they reach 150-180 lb. Field demonstrations in both the U.S. and Spain suggest that swine producers need to begin gilt development for replacement gilts at an even earlier age than the current thinking.