Management of Developing Gilts and Boars for Efficient Reproduction

Successful introduction of replacement gilts and boars into the breeding herd is an important aspect of breeding herd efficiency. To attain herd efficiency, females must ovulate adequate numbers of fertile ova, show willingness to mate (estrus) and conceive readily. Males must produce adequate numbers of fertile spermatozoa, possess ability and show willingness to mate and produce high conception rates. If these traits are properly developed in both sexes, pregnancy rate and litter size will be maximized. The purpose of this fact sheet is to help producers better understand the important factors in the management of the developing gilt and boar for maximizing their reproductive efficiency.