Gilt Management for Welfare: Developing Replacement Sows

Gilt (young female pig) development and management is critical for long-term sow welfare, with poor gilt management contributing to early culling and lifetime welfare problems.

Key Facts

Gilts that are too young or too lean at first mating have higher culling rates
Target body weight at first service is 130-145 kg depending on breed
Gilt acclimation to boars before mating improves reproductive performance
Group housing of gilts allows social development before introduction to the sow herd
Feet and leg conformation assessment of gilts reduces lameness in the breeding herd

Welfare Considerations

Gilt management is a welfare investment for the entire sow herd. Gilts developed correctly reach first mating at appropriate weight and condition, reducing metabolic disease risk in early lactation. Social housing during gilt development prepares animals for group management in gestation. Feet and leg assessment allows selection against conformation that predisposes to lameness. Poor gilt management creates welfare problems that persist throughout the animal's lifetime: chronically lame sows, thin body condition through repeated pregnancies, and early culling representing premature mortality. Welfare-focused gilt management invests in development that prevents these chronic welfare costs.

What You Can Do

Advocate for gilt development standards in pig welfare codes
Support farmer training in gilt assessment and management
Encourage genetic selection for feet and leg conformation in breeding pigs
Back research into optimal gilt management for lifetime sow welfare
Choose pork from farms with documented gilt and sow lifetime welfare management