Swine Management: Replacement Gilts and Breeding

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of inseminating sows in a community pen?

It helps in collecting more accurate welfare data.

It reduces the overall breeding time.

It allows for less competition among sows for food.

It results in higher conception rates due to better heat detection. (correct)

How much water should a gestating animal intake relative to their dry matter intake?

1.5 times their dry matter intake.

3 times their dry matter intake.

2.5 times their dry matter intake. (correct)

2 times their dry matter intake.

What potential problem can arise from a deficiency in the diet of a gestating sow?

Improved heat detection.

Decreased body condition and fetuses' growth. (correct)

Increased water intake.

Higher birth rates.

Why is water particularly important as farrowing approaches?

The fetus occupies more space, requiring increased hydration. Signup and view all the answers

What role does fence line contact between boars and sows serve during estrus?

It encourages the sows to demonstrate estrus behavior. Signup and view all the answers

At what age should the diet of replacement gilts be shifted from a finisher diet to a developer diet?

4 months Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for the bone development of replacement gilts?

Higher calcium levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal weight range for first mating of a replacement gilt?

120-140 kg Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored in replacement gilts to ensure future breeding performance?

Leg strength Signup and view all the answers

How many gilts will typically manifest estrus after daily boar exposure starting at 135 days old?

61% Signup and view all the answers

What should be maintained for gilts upon arrival in the farm to reduce stress?

Previous diet Signup and view all the answers

What is one feature that characterizes an ideal breeder gilt?

PWSY (piglets weaned per sow per year) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of gilts experience unsuccessful second estrus when they have daily boar contact starting at 160 days old?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum weaning to service interval (WSI) for gilts and sows?

7 days Signup and view all the answers

Which age group of boars should be used for breeding approximately 5 to 7 times per week?

18 - 30 months Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to track the age of the boar used for breeding?

To assess the quality of the ejaculate. Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured about the diet of gilts and sows for optimal reproductive health?

It should be free from aflatoxin contamination. Signup and view all the answers

When is the ideal time to start breeding in the afternoon?

4:00 PM Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum sperm count per ml required for optimal breeding?

350 million Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided during breeding time to prevent adverse effects on pregnancy?

Breeding in hot weather conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is important to ensure effective insemination in sows or gilts?

Lightly pressing the back of the sow or gilt. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does using a saddle or AI dummy have on the farrowing rate (FR) and conception rate (CR) when applied correctly?

FR of 85% and CR of 98% Signup and view all the answers

Which parity distribution is recommended to maintain a good gene pool in breeding sows?

3-4 Signup and view all the answers

According to the average sow parity data, what is the average sow parity (ASP) for a total sow level of 450?

3.23 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total sow population should ideally be in parities 3, 4, and 5 to ensure the production of high genetic value piglets?

47% Signup and view all the answers

What is the total frequency of farrowed sows in the first week for the 2nd parity category?

10 Signup and view all the answers

How does maintaining sows in the described parities impact the quality of piglets produced?

It sustains quality piglets due to younger sows. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total frequency of farrowed sows for the 5th parity category over the recorded weeks?

90 Signup and view all the answers

Which week had the highest frequency of farrowings for sows at their 3rd parity?

Week 3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended annual culling rate for maintaining a high gene pool?

33% Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum sperm count per milliliter for good quality semen?

350 million sperm cells/ml Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested motility rate for sperm to effectively fertilize egg cells?

90% Signup and view all the answers

When should a breeder sow ideally be bred?

On the second day of estrus Signup and view all the answers

How often should heat detection be performed?

Twice daily Signup and view all the answers

What moisture content should raw materials not exceed to ensure feeds are aflatoxin free?

13% Signup and view all the answers

When does implantation occur in swine gestation?

Day 28 Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a gestating sow consumes zearalenone during early gestation?

High embryonic mortality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Management of the Replacement Gilt

Replacement gilts require a diet similar to fattening pigs, transitioning to a developer diet around 4 months old (70 kg) to address potential leg weakness.
Leg weakness in gilts can impact breeding potential; nutrition is critical for their reproductive performance.
Selection criteria for replacement gilts include growth rate, body conformation, and importantly, fertility status, which influences litter size and piglet weight.

Boar Exposure and Estrus

Introducing a boar to a 135-day-old replacement gilt daily can trigger estrus in approximately 61% of gilts within 4 weeks.
Ideal mating age for gilts is 7 months at weights of 120-140 kg; boars should be at least 10 months old with visible signs of aggressiveness.
Gils exposed to boars earlier (135 days) show improved estrus manifestation; however, 50% may not have a successful second estrus if exposure occurs later.

Feeding and Management on Arrival

Maintain the gilt's original feed to mitigate stress from dietary changes upon arrival at a new farm.
Target back fat thickness during the first mating should be between 16-18 mm; regular contact with boars is crucial in the first 48 hours after arrival.

Features of an Ideal Breeder Gilt

Effective breeder gilts should ideally rear a high number of piglets annually (PWSY).
Factors influencing reproductive success include boar age, health, environmental conditions during breeding, and a high-quality diet rich in protein and minerals.
Boars aged 12-18 months should be utilized 2-3 times weekly, while those aged 18-30 months can be used 5-7 times, ensuring semen quality through proper breeding schedules.

Breeding Management

Breed sows ideally before 7:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid increased heat stress during midday.
Quality of semen is crucial; a minimum volume of 150 ml and a sperm count of at least 350 million sperm/ml are essential.
Regular checks on semen count and motility enhance the likelihood of successful fertilization.

Insemination Techniques

Apply slight pressure to the sow or gilt's back to secure catheter placement during artificial insemination, improving sperm delivery success rates (FR of 85%, CR of 98%).
A saddle or AI dummy can aid in maintaining proper catheter position.

Parity and Genetic Value

Maintaining an average sow parity (ASP) of 3-4 optimizes genetic potential; a distribution of 47% of sows in parities 3-5 is desirable for generating heavier piglets.
A specific farm example shows an ASP of 3.23, indicating balanced productivity among newer sows.

Sperm Quality and Timing

Successful fertilization is impaired by poor semen quality; aim for a sperm motility rate exceeding 90% for efficient fertilization.
Breeding should occur on the second day of estrus, with follow-up checks after 6-12 hours post heat detection.

Mycotoxin Management

Aflatoxin in feeds can induce infertility; monitor feed moisture levels (below 13%) for safety.
Zearalenone exposure during early gestation can lead to increased embryonic mortality.

Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy failures typically observed around Day 35 may result from reabsorption; effective breeding requires careful management of gestation practices and environment.
Community pens improve fertilization success by ensuring better heat detection and breeding management before transferring sows to gestation stalls.

Nutritional Requirements

Gestating animals need increased water intake (2.5 times dry matter intake) to support fetal growth and avoid complications during farrowing.
Balanced nutrition is vital throughout gestation to ensure optimal body condition and fetal development.

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Description

This quiz covers essential management practices for replacement gilts, focusing on their nutrition, reproductive performance, and the effects of boar exposure. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing breeding strategies in swine production. Test your knowledge on dietary requirements, selection criteria, and estrus management for replacement gilts.