TOPIC 3

Breeding Management and Practices

By: Julius V. Abela, Ph.D.

Breeding Management

A sow is a female pig that has already had a litter and a gilt is a female

pig that has not had a litter. Therefore, a gilt can be a pregnant animal (up

until its first litter). Pigs are prolific and a sow can have many litters over the

course of her lifetime.

As a rule of thumb in commercial industries, sows are often culled after

their seventh litter because statistics show that sow productivity drops at

that time to a point where higher production is attainable by replacing her

with a gilt. Certainly some sows can be productive beyond the seventh litter

and some gilts may not be as productive, but in large operations with many

sows this culling ideal proves to make economic sense. When a sow is culled

from the herd the young female that will take her place is often referred to

as replacement gilt.

Sow longevity is a term used in industry to refer to the time that a sow

spends on a farm. Parity is a term used to describe the number of litters that
a sow has had. For instance a 1st parity sow has had one litter, a 2nd parity

sow two litters and so on. Farms with many sows pay close attention to sow

longevity because it is expensive to raise replacement gilts and it makes

economic sense to keep sows on the farm as long as they are economically

productive. Sow well-being and health are paramount to sow longevity.

Gilt Introduction
Breeding farm management starts
with gilts. Healthy animals in good
physical conditions will lead to larger
litters and better nursing performance
for future piglets. Gilts can be brought
to the farm at any age after weaning.
Some farms will raise their own
replacement gilts so that new animals are not introduced into the existing
herd.

Selection of Breeding Gilt

It is extremely important to select a good boar since it contributes half
the quality of the herd. Areas to be consider while selecting breeding gilt:

Gilts selected to have at least 12 teats so as to accommodate a large

litter

Gilts to be selected from sows, which wean 9 -10 or more piglets per
litter and are known to be good mothers and first farrowing at one year
of age and farrowing interval of seven month.

Select breeding gilts at weaning period, further selection should be

done 5-6 months of age.

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 Select fast growing weaners. These will likely consume less feed per
unit live weight gain. Thus less costly to keep.

Select gilts which have developed hams and comparatively light heads.

The selected gilts should have good body confirmation i.e. strong legs,
sound feet etc.

Gilt should not select for breeding purpose having supernumerary and
inverted teats, and fat deposited at the base of the teats

Gilt must be at least 8 months old at first service.

The replacement gilt

Age to breed gilts 8 months

Weight of breed gilts 100-120 kg
Length of heat period 2-3 days
Gilts – First day
Best time to breed in heat period
Sows – Second day
2 services at an interval of 12-14
Number of Services per sow
hours
Period of estrus cycle 18-24 days (average 21 days)
Occurrence of heat after weaning 2-10 days
Gestation period 114 days

Cycles and Heat Determination

Sows and gilts have an average 21 day heat cycle, although this can
range from 17 to 25 days. An average animal in heat today will be in heat
again in three weeks. This can be used to help synchronize farrowing dates
in small herds so that animals are farrowing around the same time, and can

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 31

be weaned of piglets (and therefore bred for their next litter) at the same
time.

Selection of Breeding Boar

It is extremely important to select a good boar since it contributes half
the quality of the herd. Areas to be consider while selecting breeding boar:
Boar to have sound feet with good, full hams, uniform curve at the
back and of good length.
Boar to have at least 12 nicely placed rudimentary teats so as to pass
on this characteristic.
Boar to be selected from sows, which wean 8 -10 or more piglets per
litter and are known to be good mothers.
Boar to be selected from the herd which is having normal sex organs,
active, healthy and strong.
Selection to be done before castration i.e. at 4 weeks. Select biggest
from the litter.
Boar must be at least 8 months old at first service.
Heat detection - Common signs of heat
1st stage: Early heat signs
General restlessness
Vulva turns red and is swollen
White mucus discharge

2nd stage: Service period signs

Real estrus lasts for 40 - 60 hours
Vulva becomes less red and swollen
Slimy mucus discharge
Tendency to mount and be mounted by others.
The sow or gilt will stand still when pressure is applied to her back (can
accept a man's weight sitting on her. Thus the right stage to send her
to the boar).

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 32

3rd stage: Post estrus-period signs
The sow/gilt will not stand still when pressure is applied to her back.
The swelling of the vulva disappears.

How to induce heat - Recommended practices

After farrowing, a sow may be slow to come into heat. Here are a few
methods used by farmers to induce heat:
Gently stroke the sow’s vagina with a freshly cut papaya stalk every
morning for 3-5 days.
Spray the sow’s (or gilt’s) pen with boar urine every morning for 3-5
days.
Grind 1 kg of fresh or dried lotus (Semen nelumbinis) seeds. Mix with
20 kg of dry feed.
Feed to the sow twice a day for 5-7 days.
Bring the sow to the boar, or place the sow in a pen next to the boar.

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 Put the sow with the boar for a short period every day when the heat is
expected.
Always take the sow to the boar. This is less upsetting for him.
Put the sow and boar together just before feeding.
During her 24-hour pick heat period allow the boar to serve twice, with
an interval of about 12-14 hour intervals between services. Do not
mate animals during the hot time of day.
If the sow doesn't conceive, she will return on heat again in about 3-
week's time.
10 days before service, give the sow/gilt 1 - 2 kg of feed extra per day.
Continue this for one week after service.
During the last month of pregnancy, give 0.5 kg extra feed per day but
decrease this gradually one week before farrowing. Provide plenty of
water to help prevent congested gut during farrowing.
Each boar should be kept in its own pen to avoid fighting. For mating,
the sow is taken to the boar.
Stimulating regular heat
Remove the sow from the piglets early (at 4 - 6 weeks of age) and all
at once.
Take the sow to a house with dry sows.
Put the sow close to a boar, in a way that makes direct contact (hear ,
see, smell) possible.
The sow should not be given any feed on the day of weaning.
The next day feed about 4 kg/day. This is called flushing and should be
done for a maximum of 10 days or until the service takes place.
Put the sows in groups (stress stimulates heat)
If there are heat problems, change the type of feed for a few days.
Maintain a good climate; see to it that there is sufficient light in the
house.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 34

 Sows should not be too fat or too thin when they are served. It is
important to keep this in mind when determining the ration during the
suckling period
When sow is in gestation
After 21 days of serving she does not show heat signs
Echo scan pregnancy detection 23 - 35 days, positive results
Culling
Sows that are difficult to get in-pig (pregnant) which only manage to
rear small
litters should be sold off.
Boars which are infertile or moderately infertile should be culled
Systems of Mating:
1. Hand mating is a system where the movement of the animals is
controlled. The boar and the sow are brought together only when the
latter is in heat.
Advantages of hand mating:
 The producer knows which sow or gilt is bred and which is not.
 The farrowing day of sows can be easily predicted.
 Boar services are controlled and regulated.
 Reproductive performance of the sow can be easily determined.
 Boars producing abnormal pigs can be detected.
Disadvantages of Hand mating
 More labor is involved in mating.
 The boar may not be available when the sow is in heat.
 There is a possibility that the heat period may lapse.

2. Pen mating is a system where the boar is placed together with a

number of gilts or sows in a pen. Breeding naturally takes place in the
pen and the animals have the freedom of movement.
Advantages of pen mating:
 Less labor in mating is involved.
Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 35
  Boar service is always available.
 Animals are better adjusted to each other.
Disadvantages of pen mating:
 Difficulty in determining the farrowing period of the sows or gilts.
 The boar may tend to be overused.
 Proper feeding is difficult to follow.

3. Artificial insemination (AI) is the most practical and efficient method to

carry out genetic improvement in swine is through AI. The strength of
AI is generally dependent on the genetic superiority of the boar and
the possibility of spreading its qualities to more females to produce
offspring of better genetic quality.

Advantages of A.I
 Access to best genetics.
 Reduced risk of disease.
 Makes cross breeding easier.
 Breeds more sows using fewer boars.
 Reduced risk of injury, mate any size sow to any size boar.
 Easier identification of infertile boars.
Disadvantages of A.I
 It needs a properly trained technician.
 There is difficulty in storing diluted boar semen over a prolonged
period.
 There are additional costs for equipment and laboratory chemicals.

The Insemination Process

Actual mating of sow using artificial insemination is not difficult. The

following equipment is needed to artificially inseminate a sow or gilt:

1. Semen - Keep the semen in the storage container until you are ready
to use it.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 36

 2. Knife or scissors to cut off the tip of the semen bottle. (Some bottles
have twist-off caps.)
3. Damp paper towel or rag to clean the vulva.
4. An insemination rod. Disposable rods are available from semen
suppliers.
5. A mature boar in an adjacent pen, or Sex Odor Aerosol (Boar Scent or
SOA).
6. Lubricating jelly or OB lube (make sure it is non-spermicidal).
7. Optional: Oxytocin, a syringe, and needle. Oxytocin is a prescription
drug available from veterinarians. In some situations (described below)
an injection of Oxytocin is helpful.

Foam tipped and spirette-type insemination rods

STEP 1 - Make sure the sow or gilt is in standing heat. You should not
attempt to breed a sow or gilt that is not in standing heat. Put
weight on the animal’s loin and watch her response to make sure
that she is standing. Some animals stand like a statue during
insemination. Others stand, take a step or two, then stand again. To
confirm standing heat, look for secondary signs such as ear popping,
sticky mucous, and an engorged clitoris.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 37

STEP 2 - Clean the animal. Clean the vulva with a damp cloth or paper
towel so that no dirt or manure is pushed into the reproductive tract
when the insemination rod is inserted.
STEP 3. Stimulate the animal. With most insemination rods, semen is not
injected into a sow or gilt, but is pulled into the animal by uterine
contractions. To stimulate uterine contractions, allow nose to nose
contact with a boar in an adjacent pen or spray SOA on the sow’s
snout. Rub the animal’s flanks and put some weight on her back
before and during insemination. Oxytocin can be used to stimulate
uterine contractions that aid semen intake. Inject one cc of Oxytocin
intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the animal’s neck after
inserting the rod (see below) and about two minutes before
beginning insemination. This has been shown to improve conception
rates and litter size for novice inseminators.

STEP 4 - Insert the rod.

Disposable swine
insemination rods come in
a variety of shapes. All are
designed to “lock” into the
cervix of the sow or gilt.
The two most common
styles are spirettes with
counter clockwise threads
Insemination rods should be inserted at a
on the tip, and rods with a slightly upward angle.
rounded foam tip.

When using a spirette, lubricate the tip with semen or a little

lubricating jelly before gently inserting it into the vulva. Angle the
rod tip upward (toward the backbone) to avoid the opening to the
bladder. Gently twist the rod counter clockwise as it is being
inserted. The rod can usually be inserted eight to ten inches before

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 38

 reaching the cervix. Push the rod gently and continue to twist
counter clockwise until the tip is “locked” into the cervix. To test for
cervix lock, twist the rod counter clockwise and release it. The rod
will rotate clockwise 1/4 turn, or so, if the tip is locked into the
cervix. If you have trouble getting the tip to lock, reposition the rod
and try again. Foam tipped rods are inserted like threaded rods, but
do not need to be rotated. Gently
push on the rod until you feel the
foam tip catch in the folds of the
cervix. To test for lock, pull back
gently on the rod.

If the rod will not lock, check

to make sure that the animal is truly
in standing heat. If using a spirette,
make sure that you are rotating the
rod counterclockwise. Be sure that
the rod tip is angled upward as you
insert it so that you do not insert the
rod into the bladder.

STEP 5 - Insemination: Remove the tip of

the semen bottle and insert it into
the end of the rod. Apply gentle pressure to the bottle. Short, pulsing
squeezes often work better than continuous pressure. The semen
will begin to flow into the animal if she has been properly stimulated.
There will be times when the animal “accepts” the semen, and times
when semen flow slows or stops. Be patient. Do not try to force
semen into the animal. It may take 5 minutes or more to empty the
bottle. Work with the sow or gilt by applying gentle pressure to the
bottle when she is accepting semen. Continue to stimulate the
animal by putting weight on her back and rubbing her flanks.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 39

Apply backpressure during

insemination
 A bit of semen backflow at the vulva is normal. If much backflow
is seen, reposition the rod tip and try again. When the bottle is
becoming empty, remove it from the rod and draw some air into the
bottle. Re-attach the bottle and use the air to gently force the last of
the semen from the rod. Then rotate the rod clockwise and withdraw
it. Continue to rub the flanks and apply back pressure for a couple of
minutes after the rod has been withdrawn.

Oxytocin is a prescription drug that is used during farrowing to

stimulate uterine contractions and milk flow. It can also be used as
an insemination aid. After locking the rod into place, inject 1cc of
Oxytocin into the sow or gilt’s neck muscle. Wait 1 or 2 minutes
before attaching the semen bottle to the rod. The Oxytocin induces
contractions that draw the semen into the uterus. Studies have
shown that Oxytocin can improve conception rate and litter size for
novice inseminators.

Post Breeding

Check the animal for standing heat 12 an 24 hours after the last
insemination. Ideally, she will stop standing within 12 hours of insemination.
If the sow or gilt is still standing 24 hours after you’ve used your last dose of
semen, you probably inseminated too soon. Many A.I. failures come from
breeding too early. If the animal stops standing within 12 hours of
insemination, chances of success are very good.

What if the animal is no longer standing when you try the second
insemination?

Relax. The timing of the first insemination was perfect. Do not attempt
to breed an animal that is no longer standing just because you have doses
left over. Inseminating a sow or gilt that is not standing will not improve
conception and increases the risk of infection. Record keeping is a critical
part of a successful A.I. program. At a minimum, write down dates and times
Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 40
of inseminations, the boar used, the 21-day check-back date and the due
date. It is also helpful to jot down comments that can help you make
adjustments, if needed, on future inseminations.

How to check the boar’s fertility before the breeding

season?

Sexual maturity or puberty is a gradual process. Some boars reach

sexual maturity as early as four months of age but they are not ready for
service. It is recommended that boars be seven to eight months old before
they are first used in a breeding herd.

A fertility check should be made at least 30 days before the boar is

used in the breeding herd. A common practice is to mate the young boar to
several market gilts and check to see if they settle. While the boar is being
test-mated to market gilts, he should be carefully observed to determine his
libido, or sex drive, and his ability to perform a satisfactory service.

The boar should be given a physical examination prior to the breeding

season. The following points should be checked:

1. General appearance. The boar should be active, alert, and aggressive

during his feed.

2. Temperature. Low-level infections can cause an increase in body

temperature that may reduce the number of normal sperms, produced. A
temperature in excess of 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit should justify additional
treatment by a veterinarian.

3. Soundness of feet and legs. The boar must be sound in his feet and legs if
he is to be an effective breeder. Check for lameness and soreness in the
joints.

4. Condition. Check to see if the boar is too fat or too thin.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 41

5. Testicles. Check to see if there is an enlargement, inflammation, or
soreness in either testicle.

A Healthy Reminder

Success in swine raising also depends on a knowledge of breeding

techniques and good herd management. Breeding is the art of producing
new animals in the project. After learning the principle and practices of
breeding, you can now produce high quality stocks of your own. In this way,
you do not have to buy expensive animals to upgrade or replace stocks. At
this point you already have sufficient knowledge to be an animal breeder and
produce boars and gilts for sale.

Recycling
After breeding you must monitor the females daily and note if
discharge or abortion occurs. Often sows and gilts will not become pregnant
and return to heat again. This is called recycling and occurs on average 21
days after mating (range 17-25 days).
Breeding System
1. Pure-breeding
Mating purebred individuals of the same breed. The progeny has the
same genetic makeup. The major objective of pure-breeding is to identify
and propagate superior genes for use in commercial production primarily in
crossbreeding programs as well as to propagate and identify superior
females for maintaining valuable genetic material. Furthermore
crossbreeding will not be worthwhile unless superior pure bred individuals
are used.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 42

 2. Out breeding

Mating individuals of the same breed but who are less closely related than
the average of the breed. There should not be a common ancestor for at
least four generation back in the pedigree of the boar and the females with
which he is mated. It is a useful mating system in purebred individuals.

3. In breeding

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 43

 Mating between individuals of the same breed but which are more
closely related than the average of the breed. This could be between as
close individuals as full sibs or sire – daughter, mother - son. Pure breeding is
a special kind of in-breeding. The effect of inbreeding is the concentration of
common genes in the offspring. This high frequency of homozygous gene
pairs applies to both desirable and undesirable traits. Many undesirable traits
e.g. hernia and cryptorchidism involve recessive genes thus inbreeding
perpetuates their expression phenotypically. In breeding causes decrease in
litter size and increases mortality. Inbred sows are inferior in milking and
mothering ability. It delays sexual maturity in gilts and boars. Inbred boars
have less sexual libido. Inbred gilts have fewer eggs during oestrus and
farrow smaller litters than those out bred.

Effects of In-Breeding

Sow with newly borne litters about 12 piglets.

Male and Female piglets taken by another farmers to his home.
Breeding between the same siblings.
Female giving birth about 9 piglets
About 25 % less no of smaller and weak piglets are born as compared
with first sow and some of them were borne dead
Male and Female piglet taken by another farmers to his home
Breeding between the same siblings about six piglets.
About 50 % less no of vey smaller and weak piglets born as compared
with the first sow, some of them were borne dead

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 44

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 45
 4. Cross breeding

Mating two individuals from different breeds thus introducing into the
progeny a gene combination that is different from that existing in either
parent or in the breed of either parent. Cross breeding can involve two or
more breeds, depending on the desired result. The sole purpose of cross
breeding is to take advantage of the observed improvement in performance
of the progeny above that of either parent - hybrid vigour or heterosis.

Methods of cross breeding:

1. Cross Breeding Between Unidentified Breeds;

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 46

Effects of Cross Breeding

Local sow with her piglets

Exotic sow with her piglets
Female piglet from local sow and Male piglet from exotic sow are taken
by a farmer to his home for breeding propose
Breeding between these male and female pig
Healthy and bigger body size piglets are born from the local sow
All male piglets are sold and few selected crossed bread female are
kept for breeding
Another exotic male which is not in relation with the herd introduced
for breeding.
Breeding between them
Very healthy, strong, active and fast growing piglets are born

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 47

Effect of Negative Selection

Sow with newly borne litters about 12 piglets.

Stronger and healthy piglets were either sold or castrated for meat
purpose
Smaller and weak Male and Female piglets kept for breeding purpose.
Breeding between the same siblings.
Female giving birth about 9 piglets

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 48

 About 25 % less no of smaller and weak piglets are born as compared
with first sow and some of them were borne dead
Among the piglets stronger and healthy either sold for cash or
castrated for meat and smaller and weak are kept for breeding
purpose.
Breeding between the same siblings about 6 piglets.
About 50 % less, smaller and weak piglets born as compared with the
first sow, some of them will borne dead.

Best Breeding Practices to be Adopted in the Villages

Best pig breeding purchases adapted in the villages. ( Breeding boar
exchange between villages / farmers)

For crossbreeding; male piglet exchanged between villages. Every year

breeding male must be changed with un-related herd to avoid inbreeding
problems.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 49

Breeding behavior expressed during breeding period

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 50

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 51
Assistance

Young boars may need assistance in

lining up their mate.
Make sure your hands and wrists are
clean and your fingernails are trimmed.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 52

 Pigs mate slowly. The boar may take a minute or more to reach the
point of ejaculation.
To improve conception: Crush 1 kg of Semen nelumbinis (lotus) seed
and mix with the sow’s feed. Give 2 times per day for 3-5 days.
Fat sows may have difficulty conceiving. Therefore, if a sow is too fat,
reduce her
feed.

Reasons for not conceiving

The sow is too fat.

It is the animal’s first heat cycle.
The boar is too young.
The boar is overworked (used for more than five matings a week).

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 53

Care and Management of breeding Boar

High priority should be given to the management of animals newly

introduced into the breeding herd to achieve maximum reproductive
efficiency. Good reproductive and nutritional management pays
dividends through an increased number of pigs farrowed live and
weaned. The following boar and gilt management practices will assist
in the maximization of fertility and longevity.
Upon completion of test, boars should be fed at a level of energy that
will prevent excessive fat deposition. This practice should help ensure
that they are physically adept and sexually active. Nutrients other than
energy should be provided to meet the minimum daily
recommendation.
Boars tested individually or in small groups in close confinement
should be managed upon completion of the test in a manner to
develop physical hardening and to stimulate sexual arousal and libido.
Where possible, this should be done before delivery to their new
owners and might include the following: a) Shifting boars to different
locations. b) Providing fence-line contact with cycling females. This
may be especially important where the aggressiveness of the boars
precludes mixing them together.
Although boars tested in large groups and in less confined settings are
likely to require less physical conditioning and sexual stimulation
before use, they may also benefit from exposure to the management
procedures described for boars reared in close confinement

To be evaluated for reproductive soundness, boars should be at least 7

½ months of age. The evaluation should be completed before the breeding

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 54

period so problem boars can be identified and culled. Boars should be
evaluated on the following criteria.

A. Mating behavior may be evaluated by bringing a gilt in standing heat

into the boar's pen and observing the following:
Libido: Observe the boar's aggressiveness and desire to mate.
Boars may need assistance through at least one mating experience.
Mounting: Boars must have the ability to mount correctly. Some
boars may be interested in mounting but lameness, arthritis, or
injury may prevent success. Boars that mount the front end of gilt
should be gently moved to the proper position.
Mating: Observe the boar's ability to erect the penis and properly
enter the gilt. Examine the boar's penis for normal size and
condition. Penis abnormalities encountered occasionally are: (1)
adhered or tied penis, (2) limp penis, (3) infantile penis, and (4)
coiling of the penis in the diverticulum. These conditions may be
heritable, and boars exhibiting these problems should not be used
to produce breeding stock.
B. Semen. A few boars fail to produce sperm cells. Hence, semen from
young boars should be submitted to a check. The simplest way to
collect semen from a boar is to allow the boar to mount a gilt in
standing heat. First place a rubber glove (latex) on one hand and after
the boar begins to extend his penis, grasp firmly the corkscrew end of
his penis and bring the penis gradually forward once extended
ejaculation begins. Collect the entire ejaculate into a wide-mouth
container covered with a double layer of cheesecloth to separate the
gel fraction. The volume of semen obtained is quite variable between
boars but averages generally between 200-250 milliliters (about 1
cup). If the sperm concentration is high, the semen will be milky in
appearance. Boars with watery or bloody semen should be evaluated
by a reproduction specialist. Usually 70 to 80 percent of the sperm

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 55

 should be motile immediately after collection. Low sperm motility is
not a serious matter unless the condition persists for several months.
Boars that produce semen with no sperm or only a few sperm should
be rechecked several times at weekly intervals. If the condition
persists, the boar should be culled. The first ejaculate of a new boar
may not provide an accurate test and should not be used for
evaluation.
C. Test Mating. To complete the soundness evaluation, two or three gilts
should be bred and carefully checked as to whether they return to
estrus within 4 weeks. Exposure to conditions or microorganisms on
the new farm may have produced temporary infertility. High
environmental temperatures, stress of transportation, illness,
lameness, or injuries causing high body temperature can alter sperm
motility and reduce fertility for up to 8 weeks.

Care and Management of breeding Sow

At the end of the test, energy intake of selected gilts should be

restricted to prevent overweight conditions. Nutrients other than
energy should be provided to meet the minimum daily
recommendation.
Moving gilts to new pens, increased exercise, and daily exposure to
boars beginning between 160 and 180 days of age will help stimulate
the onset of estrus. Breeding should be delayed until the second or
third estrus to increase the probability of large litters and prevent
dystocia. Gilts that do not conceive after mating at two estrous periods
should be marketed. Likewise, gilts that have not expressed heat by 9
months of age should be culled. During gestation, gilts should be fed to
gain about 75 lb and not become overly fat.

Minimum Breeding Ages for Boars and Gilts

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 56

 In order for the seed stock producer to measure performance to
acceptable offtest weights, delivery of boars and gilts to the buyer is seldom
earlier than 5.5 months of age. Sexual maturity and reproductive
performance also are highly age dependent. The minimum age for successful
breeding in boars is 7.5 months. Gilts should be bred on the second or third
heat to take advantage of the expected increase in ovulation rate that
usually occurs following puberty.

Module 3. Breeding Management and Practices 57