As
the number of gilts is between 20 to 25% of the herd at any one time, their
contribution to the overall herd performance is very influential. In this case, when analysing age of service
and subsequent performance, it became apparent that gilts served over 250 days
did not perform as well as younger gilts.
How
gilts were fed during the critical periods was reviewed so that, pre service,
gilts are now flushed to maximise ovulation rate and, post service, the
producer is avoiding over-feeding, to assist with implantation.
So,
the moral of this particular (true) story is: 1. Keep individual sow and gilt
records and make time to interrogate the data 2. Identify areas that are
underperforming 3. Take advice and decide on actions to improve situation 4.
Continue monitoring and evaluating.
On
any farm, gilt management is about not cutting corners; the time you invest at
this crucial stage will pay dividends in the long-term performance of your
herd. BPEX is
continuing to work with producers on gilt management as part of the Breed+3
programme to improve breeding herd performance. Click here for more information
in our gilt management pack.
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