4 ways to start gilts' first estrus as early as possible, the earlier the more money you make
1. Advantages of starting puberty as early as possible
Some pig farms think that as long as gilts can come into estrus, it does not matter much whether it is earlier or later. In fact, the timing of puberty can predict the reproductive performance and service life of gilts. It can be concluded that gilts with earlier puberty have a longer service life, a lower subsequent culling rate, better reproductive performance and a higher total number of piglets born.
2. Key factors for the onset of puberty in gilts
(1) Gonadal development
The onset of puberty is related to the growth and perfected secretory function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The increased secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus promotes the secretion of gonadotropins, and the ovaries accelerate their growth and maturation, thereby causing the follicles on the ovaries to grow and mature and secrete estrogen into the blood, stimulating the growth and development of the reproductive tract. Estrogen, with the cooperation of a small amount of progesterone, stimulates the central nervous system and finally manifests as estrus.
(2) Age in days and body condition
There are various statements about the conditions for puberty in gilts; generally, pig farms use body weight and age in days as the basis for judgment. In different studies, the standards for body weight and age in days also differ, which indicates that body weight and age in days are key factors for the onset of puberty but not absolute factors.
(3) Boar stimulation
(4) Feeding level
Feeding at a high energy level can shorten the onset of puberty, and the corresponding mating weight is also increased. This effect is not produced indirectly by increasing the body reserves of gilts, but acts directly on the reproductive system, for example by promoting the development of the ovaries and follicles.
3. Summary
The timing of puberty can indicate the reproductive performance and service life of gilts. Gilts with earlier puberty have a longer service life, a lower subsequent culling rate, better reproductive performance and a higher total number of piglets born, and the pig farm gains greater profit. The onset of puberty in gilts is related to multiple factors such as the sow's age in days, growth rate, reproductive system development and boar stimulation. Doing the following well will help gilts start puberty:
(1) Supplement enough reproductive influence to promote the development of the reproductive system of gilts.
(2) Feed scientifically and appropriately increase the reproductive rate of gilts, so that gilts reach qualified body reserves at a suitable age in days (around 170 days of age).
(3) Do well in boar stimulation (150-170 days of age, 95-100 kg)