Introducing replacement gilts is a crucial first step that directly determines your productivity and profitability. Don’t let these factors cause your profits to decline!

1. Selection

• Source stock only from reputable farms that provide quarantine certificates and complete vaccination records.
• Ensure pigs are alert and show no signs of infectious disease. Prioritize sourcing from disease-free zones.

2. Transportation

• Specialized transport vehicles must be thoroughly disinfected before loading the pigs.
• Transport during cooler times of the day (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid heat stress.

3. Quarantine

• Maintain strict isolation for 6–8 weeks before introducing new pigs to the main herd.
• Monitor their daily eating habits, respiratory health, and movement.

4. Acclimatization

• Following the quarantine period, gradually introduce replacement gilts to the farm environment by allowing contact with existing sows.
• Complete any additional vaccinations required by the farm’s protocol before final integration into the main herd.

5. Care

• Ensure the housing is well-ventilated, maintains a stable temperature, and has adequate lighting.
• Provide plenty of clean water to help the pigs recover after transport.
• Use high-quality feed to support the development of a strong skeletal structure and a healthy reproductive system.

WATCH the video below to learn more about these important considerations:

Through this article, we hope you have gained a better understanding of the key considerations for introducing replacement gilts, enabling you to provide the best possible care for your herd. If you are involved in pig farming, we invite you to explore KSF’s range of animal feed products and consult with our technical team to develop a nutrition program tailored to the specific conditions of your farm.