Q. How many estrus cycles should my gilts have before I breed them?
Two to three. This helps avoid lower ovulation rates associated with first ovulations. Physical maturity and body composition should also be considered in gilt selection for breeding. Gilts can be stimulated (boar contact, movement to another building or location, etc.) to encourage estrus onset. Gilts which are not bred by their fourth estrus cycle often go into an anestrus or noncycling condition. Daily monitoring of estrus behavior should be charted for each gilt upon entrance into the breeding pens.
Q. Should I put older sows with my replacement gilts?
This procedure is frequently used to expose incoming gilts to the diseases of the breeding herd, but it also helps in synchronizing estrus among animals. Fence-line contact, rather than mixing in the same pen, prevents possible injury and competition for feed, and still provides the necessary exposure. Because of PRRS and/or other reproductive disease problems, this strategy or its timing should be discussed with your local veterinarian.
Q. What quality of feeds can I feed my replacement gilts?
Diets for gilts and the breeding herd should contain the better quality feed grains, free from spoilage, molds, and mycotoxins. Zearalenone has estrogenic effects that can be detrimental to maximum reproductive efficiency.
Q. Should thin sows be given more feed following breeding?
No. Additional energy after the animal is bred has been associated with increased body heat and higher embryo mortality. After about one month postbreeding, the quantity of feed may be adjusted upward to improve the sow's body condition. The quantity to feed from 30 days post-coitum to farrowing may be as high as 5.5 pounds, but generally ranges from 4.0 to 4.5 lb. per day. Care should be taken to prevent gilts (and sows) from becoming too fat.