Gilts, young female pigs entering the breeding herd for the first time, face specific welfare challenges during development and first reproduction that require dedicated attention.
Gilts occupy a vulnerable position in commercial pig production as young animals navigating their first reproductive cycle in systems often designed without adequate attention to their developmental needs. Those entering gestation stalls at first pregnancy are confined through a period of rapid physical and psychological development. First-time mothers with inadequate social experience or space may struggle with mothering behaviors, leading to crushing or neglect of piglets that distresses the sow as well. Lame gilts enter reproductive life already compromised in welfare. Improved gilt development programs that allow social interaction, movement, and natural behavioral expression before entering the breeding herd produce more resilient sows and reduce lifetime welfare costs.