Taming Gilts – The Approach Test
Michel Launay, European Technical Manager, develops 3 types of approaches to gilts in quarantine:
– Visual
– Sonorous
– Olfactory
How to Measure The Backfat on Sows and Gilts
1 December 2021
Proposed by
Choice
Speaker(s)
Duration
1'19
Summary
Michel Launay, Technical Manager Europe, explains how important is to measure the backfat thickness of sows and gilts to determine feeding and mating strategies.
Current rating
1
Introduction
In the breeding department, Choice recommends using backfat thickness of sows and gilts to determine body condition and implementation of the feeding and mating strategy for your Choice females.
2
Equipment needed
To perform this measurement, we will use a device called the Renco Lean-Meater.
3
Location for Measuring Backfat
First, locate the last rib on the side of the sow with your middle finger. Then identify a point that is aligned with that rib and between 3 and 5 cm (1-2 inches) below the spine. This is also called the P2 location.
4
Measuring the Backfat
At this location, put a drop of oil on the sow and carry out the measurement.
5
Reading the Measurement on the Lean Meater
The measurement of 15 mm we see here is within the Choice recommendations of between 13 and 16 mm of backfat for a sow at weaning or mating and 16 to 18 mm at farrowing.
