Gilt Management for Welfare and Production

Gilt Welfare in Pig Production

Gilts — female pigs that have not yet farrowed — are a critical welfare category in commercial pig production. Their management during development, mating, pregnancy, and first farrowing has major implications for lifetime welfare, longevity, and reproductive performance. Poor gilt management is a significant cause of welfare problems and early culling.

Key Welfare Challenges for Gilts

• Skeletal development: Gilts selected for rapid growth can develop musculoskeletal problems; ensuring appropriate growth rates and mineral nutrition is vital.
• Osteochondrosis: Cartilage lesions in joints causing lameness are a significant welfare problem in fast-growing gilts.
• Social stress: Introduction to new groups causes aggression and stress; careful integration management is needed.
• Housing transition: Moving from group housing to individual stalls around mating causes significant stress in some systems.
• Farrowing challenges: First-time mothers are more vulnerable to difficulties at farrowing, requiring close supervision.
• Piglet crushing: Gilts are more likely to lie on piglets inadvertently due to inexperience and anxiety.

Selection and Development

• Soundness scoring: Regular assessment of leg conformation and gait ensures structurally sound gilts enter the breeding herd.
• Target weight and age: Gilts should reach appropriate target weight (130-140 kg) and age (7+ months) before first mating.
• Boar exposure: Regular contact with a teaser boar from 160 days age stimulates puberty and improves subsequent reproductive performance.
• Nutrition: Avoiding over-fatness (BCS 3.0-3.5) while ensuring adequate bone and muscle development.

Welfare During Pregnancy and Farrowing

• Group housing during gestation supports social needs; adequate space and resource access is critical
• Farrowing accommodation should provide nesting opportunity and appropriate temperature management
• Close supervision at first farrowing to provide assistance if needed
• Gradual introduction to farrowing environment to reduce anxiety
• Maternal behaviour training through environmental enrichment and positive handling

Key Takeaways

Investment in gilt management from selection through first farrowing pays dividends in welfare and productivity. Structurally sound, well-managed gilts experience fewer welfare problems, have better reproductive performance, and remain in the breeding herd longer.