Supply of feed and water during the growth period

Supply of feed and water during the growth period is amongst the factors with the greatest benefit on the gilts design at the time of first insemination. Both supply of feed, feed quality and principles revolving feeding. The most important thing to keep in mind is that gilts are to be fed as gilts and not finishers.

Feed and feeding are the foundation for gilts’ growth, conformation and general health. Gilts’ feed must take into account their actual needs with a special focus on leg and bone strength, whilst also ensuring their growth rate is not too fast.

FEEDING IN THE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT SECTION

Focus on gilts’ feed needs to start in the weaning section, even if there are no major differences between gilts and remaining piglets during this period. Feeding in the weaning section must support and optimise growth throughout the growth period:

At weaning, intensify the focus during the first 5–7 days after weaning.

The feed must be optimised to meet the nutrient demands for the best productivity. Consider the animal’s physiology and, at the same time, focus on minimising post-weaning diarrhoea by using simple but effective feed mixes.

It is advisable to use a liquid starter mix the first 5–7 days after weaning.

• Mix in a ratio of five parts water, one part milk and two parts starter feed.
• Allow one litre of liquid starter mix per ten pigs.
• The pigs should have emptied the trough after 20 to 30 minutes- if not, consider feeding slightly less until they begin to eat more. Ensure any leftover feed is cleaned out of the trough before the next feeding
• Feed the liquid starter mix to the pigs at least four times a day, preferably more, as multiple feedings are better.

When feeding the liquid starter mix, be particularly aware of hygiene. It is advisable to clean troughs after feeding. It is a good idea to leave a small amount of water in troughs as an additional water supply.

After one week in the weaning section, the transition to dry feed should be completed. Feed restrictively for the first 12 days, after which they can be fed ad libitum.

WATER FOR WEANED PIGS

Water is essential in this period to maintain growth, which is why there must be unrestricted access to clean drinking water. It is advisable to have at least two water valves per pen, preferably more. The water valves should be placed as close to feed dispensers as possible to optimise their use and increase feed intake. It is recommended for water valves to release between 0.5 to 1.0 litre/min. Be aware of the water pressure. The water valves should be able to maintain the recommended flow rate when 20 % of the drinkers are in use.

Housing of gilts

Housing during the growth period is crucial for the quality of gilts as breeding animals in the herds. Housing conditions are not only important for gilt health and well-being, but also for their conformation and productivity.

PEN SPACES FOR GILTS

During the growth period, gilts can either be housed in a separate gilt section or in selected pens in existing housing units. Regardless, it is always advisable to keep – as well as feed – gilts separately from sows wherever possible. In addition, make sure to place gilts in an area of the housing unit that is monitored several times a day.

Calculate the number of pen spaces for gilts on the basis of the expected replacement rate per year. It is advisable to base the replacement rate on the current needs of the individual herd and, at the same time, focus on maximising efficiency in the gilt production combined with a focus on maintaining as high a breeding value as possible. In other words, the calculations should consider both the common causes of culling in the herd and, not least, culling based on low index levels.

Climate

In addition to the pen layout, the ambient climate and environment must also be taken into account in the gilt section. Ambient temperature affects gilt growth via food intake and health, which is why it is crucial to focus on maintaining an ideal temperature at all times.

The focus of the weaning section must be on both the ambient temperature and floor heating, outside as well as underneath the cover in the pen.

In the gilt unit, ambient temperature is the primary consideration, while the floor heating can be phased out.

* If not using an All-in-All-out batch strategy, but new gilts are introduced to the unit regularly, the diffused ventilation must be adjusted accordingly.

All-in-All-out batch strategy is rarely practised in the gilt units. When regularly adding new animals to the unit, it is difficult to provide a general recommendation that solely applies to ambient temperature, as the optimal temperature is dependent on the size of the gilt. Therefore, it should always be possible to add heat individually to the pens. Pens for pigs up to 30 kg should be established with dual climate, where it is possible to cover part of the pen while the gilts are small. Underfloor heating with an option for bedding in the lying area is also recommended while the gilts are small.

It must be possible for big gilts to cool themselves down, therefore it is highly recommended to install a sprinkler/showering system for all gilts above 20 kg if this is not already installed due to law regulations. This can be combined with a high-pressure cooling system as an additional option for temperature adjustment in hot periods.