How gilts (first-parity sows) are reared significantly affects their lifetime welfare and productivity. Appropriate development management improves welfare outcomes.
Gilts poorly prepared for their first farrowing face elevated risks of prolapse, farrowing difficulties, and early culling. Poor social experience before entering the sow herd increases stress during initial integration. Systematic gilt development management that selects for good conformation and provides appropriate social experience protects both first-parity welfare and productive longevity.