Searchable, peer-reviewed, open-access proceedings from bioscience and biomedical conferences

bp0018cpr32 | Breeding Management Programs for The Future | CPR2009

Growth, body state and breeding performance in gilts and primiparous sows

Bortolozzo F.P. , Bernardi M.L. , Kummer R. , Wentz I.

Optimizing gilt management is a critical point to improve breeding herd efficiency. This review describes the effects of growth rate (GR) and body state at onset of puberty stimulation or at first mating on gilt puberty attainment, productivity and sow longevity. Traditional management practices should be re-evaluated with attention to different modern genotypes. It is difficult to discern the real effects of age, weight, backfat depth and estrus number at first insemina...