Setting your piggery up for success

This article explores the key reasons why farmers are often reluctant to allocate resources to gilts and how these challenges can be overcome to ensure long-term farm productivity and profitability.

1. Foundation for herd replacement

Proper gilt management is essential for maintaining a productive sow herd. As older sows are culled or removed from production due to age or health issues, a steady supply of well-managed gilts is necessary to replace them. This replacement ensures continuity in breeding programs and helps maintain the overall health and productivity of the herd.

2. Genetic improvement

Selecting and rearing high-quality gilts contributes to genetic improvement within the herd. By focusing on desirable traits such as fertility, litter size, growth rate, and disease resistance, farmers can enhance the genetic pool of their herd. This genetic improvement translates into higher productivity, better feed efficiency, and improved overall herd health - critical factors for economic success.

3. Reproductive performance

The reproductive performance of gilts significantly impacts a farm’s productivity. Well-managed gilts, properly conditioned and bred at the right age and weight, tend to have higher conception rates, larger litters, and better maternal behaviors. These factors contribute to higher piglet survival rates and increased weaning weights, ultimately leading to more marketable pigs and higher revenue.

4. Health management and disease control

Effective gilt management includes robust health protocols to prevent diseases and ensure the overall well-being of the animals. Healthy gilts are less likely to transmit diseases to the rest of the herd, reducing the need for costly veterinary interventions and improving the overall health status of the farm. This proactive health management approach not only lowers medical costs but also minimizes production losses due to illness.

5. Feed efficiency and growth rates

Gilts require optimal nutrition to reach their reproductive potential. Proper feeding strategies ensure gilts receive balanced nutrition and grow at an appropriate rate, without becoming overweight or underweight. Efficient feed utilization translates to lower feed costs and better growth performance, which are vital for the economic sustainability of the farm.

6. Long-term productivity

Investing in the proper rearing and management of gilts has long-term economic benefits. Well-reared gilts typically have longer productive lifespans, producing more litters over their breeding careers. This extended productivity reduces the frequency and cost of herd replacements, leading to more stable and predictable production outcomes.

7. Economic returns

The combination of improved reproductive performance, genetic enhancement, better health management, and efficient feed utilization results in significant economic returns. Higher litter sizes, better piglet survival rates, and increased marketable pig weights contribute to higher overall revenue. Moreover, reduced veterinary costs and lower feed expenses further enhance profit margins.

8. Market competitiveness

Producers who excel in gilt rearing and management gain a competitive edge in the market. High-quality breeding stock and superior production outcomes position these producers as industry leaders, attracting premium prices for their pigs and breeding animals. This market competitiveness ensures the long-term viability and growth of their farming operations.

Conclusion

Gilt rearing and management are integral to the economic success of pig farming. By focusing on genetic improvement, reproductive performance, health management, feed efficiency, and long-term productivity, producers can achieve significant economic benefits. Investing in the proper care and management of gilts not only enhances the immediate productivity of the farm but also ensures sustained profitability and market competitiveness in the swine industry.

For more information on gilt rearing and management, please contact your De Heus technical advisor - www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team