Optimizing feeding regimen of replacement gilts to improve their reproductive performance and retention rate of their first 2 parities

The effects of age, body weight (BW), and backfat thickness (BF) of replacement gilts at first estrus and first mating on their subsequent reproductive performance and retention of their first 2 parities as sows was evaluated. A total of 3,025 Danish replacement gilts were categorized by farm (allocated to 4 farms), cross combination, age, BW and BF at first estrus and first mating, estrous cycle number at first mating, and flush feeding before first mating. The result shows that all the factors mentioned above were significantly associated with reproductive performance and retention rates of the first 2 parities. Farm 3 had more piglets born alive per litter (BA) (P