Agriculture Reference
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the mathematical assessment of lifetime performance. Others include only gilts selected
out of the finishing barn; and still others use only gilts added to the breeding pool. Fifthly,
rearing management (nursing litter size, neonatal disease, space provision), and not
nutrition or genetics, contribute to the experiences and responses of developing gilts
and possibly to their subsequent reproductive performance (Flowers, 2005). Lastly, work
assessing lifetime performance of swine can be confusing because of differences is culling
criteria and the subjective judgments used for some reasons of removal. Pinilla
et al.
(2013) stated that 'Gilt performance and lifetime productivity are the expression of a
sound synergy between health practices, feeding/nutrition, and production principles.
Our understanding of the importance of body condition in gilt development has
increased, but a number of aspects are yet unexplored and need refining.
References
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Amaral Filha, W.S., Bernardi, M.L., Wentz, I. and Bortolozzo, F.P., 2009. Growth rate and age at
boar exposure as factors influencing gilt puberty. Livestock Science 120: 51-57.
Amaral Filha, W.S., Bernardi, M.L., Wentz, I. and Bortolozzo, F.P., 2010. Reproductive performance
of gilts according to growth rate and backfat thickness at mating. Animal Reproduction
Science 121: 139-144.
Beltranena, E., Aherne, F.X. and Foxcroft, G.R., 1993. Innate variability in sexual development
irrespective of body fatness in gilts. Journal of Animal Science 71: 471-480.
Beltranena, E., Aherne, F.X., Foxcroft, G.R. and Kirkwood, R.N., 1991. Effects of pre- and
postpubertal feeding on production traits at first and second estrus in gilts. Journal of Animal
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Bortolozzo, F.P., Bernardi, M.L., Kummer, R. and Wentz, I., 2009. Growth, body state and breeding
performance in gilts and primiparous sows. Society for Reproduction and Fertility Supplement
66: 281-91.
Bussières, D. 2013. Impact of gilt breeding condition on lifetime productivity and performance.
Clowes, E.J., Aherne, F.X., Foxcroft, G.R. and Baracos, V.E., 2003a. Selective protein loss in
lactating sows is associated with reduced litter growth and ovarian function. Journal of Animal
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Clowes, E.J., Aherne, F.X., Schaefer, A.L., Foxcroft, G.R. and Baracos, V.E., 2003b. Parturition
body size and body protein loss during lactation influence performance during lactation and
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De Koning, D.B., Van Grevenhof, E.M., Laurenssen, B.F.A., Van Weeren, P.R., Hazeleger, W.
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Flowers, W.L., 2005. New ideas about gilt development and management. North Carolina State
University, Raleigh, NC, USA, 11 pp. Available at:
www.prairieswine.com/pdf/2225.pdf
.
Foxcroft, G. and Aherne, F., 2001. Rethinking management of the replacement gilt. Advances in
Pork Production 12: 197-210.
