Pig producers can find out how to unlock the lifetime potential of gilts, at a series of four meetings starting this month.
They promise to be just as valuable as the gilt events held in spring and are a must for pig producers who want to improve gilt performance, young sow retention and extend her productive life in the herd.
AHDB Pork Knowledge Exchange Manager Angela Cliff said: “The cost of a gilt is around £250 so, to make the most of that investment, it’s vital to optimise gilt management right from the start.”
Stephen Hall, of Stephen Hall Management, will show the impact of individual sow longevity on herd economics. Vet John Hayden will provide practical ways to manage the first parity sow and explain the importance of getting it right at this key time for her future output. Representatives from ForFarmers will also describe nutritional strategies during key stages of the gilt’s life.
Nutrition is an area already being reviewed on AHDB Pork’s Strategic Farm by producer David Goodier, who is aiming to improve herd parity structure and gilt performance.
Angela said: “We’re working with David, his vet and suppliers to adjust diets, having had a good look at the current feed curve and gilt condition at different stages of the production cycle. For example, we’ve found gilts’ condition score has tended to be too high at farrowing and too low at weaning. There will be more on this at the next Strategic Farm open meeting in the New Year.
For more information visit https://pork.ahdb.org.uk/events/gilt-management-for-lifetime-performance and, to book a place, contact the AHDB KE Events Hub: Tel 01904 771212 or email ke.events@ahdb.org.uk.
