Comprehensive Guide to Boars and Gilts

Group 4 presentation

Maribeth
Ronaldo
Angelie
Jaycel
Rey
Introduction:
In the realm of swine farming, the roles of boars and gilts are pivotal
in ensuring the success and sustainability of breeding programs.

This report aims to provide a detailed exploration of the ff.

 Characteristics,
 Roles,
 Management practices,
 and importance of boars and gilts in swine reproduction.
Technical Definition of terms:

Sus scrofa – wild pig

Sus domesticus – domesticated swine
Pig - lay mans term for sus domesticus
Hog - term for weighing 60 below
Swine - term for 60 and up or market size
Boar - A male pig that is used for breeding purposes.
Junior Boar - 6 months to 2.5 years
Senior Boar – 2.6 years
Barrow – castrated male swine
Gilt - A young female pig (not given birth to piglets)
Sow – farrowed pig
Gestation - time pregnancy
Farrowing - already give birth
Parturition - act of giving birth
Oxytocin - hormone responsible in estrus
How to select a boar Characteristics: GENETIC TRAITS.

1. Growth rate
2. Muscles development
3. Reproductive performance
4. chosen based on their ability to
produce high-quality offspring.
5. Mannerism
6. Temperament
7. ADG
8. FCR
  Growth rate
 Muscles development
 Reproductive performance
 ability to produce high-quality offspring.
 Mannerism
 Temperament
 ADG
 FCR
GILT  Age
 Weight health
 Physical attributes
 Mothering ability
Reproduction:
Boars: Reach sexual maturity at around 6-8 months of age and can continue to breed for
several years.

Gilts: Generally bred for the first time when they reach sexual maturity, typically around 6-8
months of age. bred to farrow for the first time at around 12-14 months of age.
Management:
Boars: Require proper housing, nutrition, and healthcare to maintain their reproductive performance. They are
often housed separately from other pigs to prevent injuries and to control breeding.

Gilts: Require special attention and care during their first pregnancy to ensure a successful farrowing and to
establish them as productive members of the breeding herd. Proper nutrition and housing are essential
for their health and well-being.
Health Considerations:
Boars: Prone to reproductive disorders such as reduced sperm production, testicular
abnormalities, and injuries from aggressive behavior.
Gilts: Susceptible to reproductive disorders such as infertility, uterine infections, and problems
during farrowing. Proper management and veterinary care are essential to maintain their
reproductive health.
Economic Importance:
Boars: Play a crucial role in the pig breeding by passing on desirable genetic traits to future
generations of pigs, for productivity and profitability of pig farming operations.
Gilts: Serve as the future mothers of piglets, reproductive performance directly impacts
profitability of pig production systems. Selecting high-quality gilts mgt. are essential for
maximizing productivity and minimizing losses.