Factors Affecting The Natural Attainment of Puberty in The Gilt

Puberty attainment in the gilt represents the onset of reproductive capability, since the first behavioural oestrus normally coincides with the pubertal ovulation. In the wild pig this first oestrus would occur in the late autumn when the gilt is approximately eight months of age (Signoret, 1980). However, in the domestic giff the aim should be to stimulate the precocious attainment of puberty, the gilt being first mated, at second oestrus, at about 200 days of age. It is both desirable and necessary to induce e-arly puberty attainment in the gilt as she is a costly non-productive animal,until the initiation of the first pregnancy. Thus, a review of the major factors influencing puberty attainment in the gilt is of value in identifying those measures which may be taken to reduce pubertal age and hence minimize the cost of introducing replacement gilts.