Key facts
- Average length: 114 days
- Normal range: 112 to 116 days
- Heat cycle: about every 21 days
Gilts have almost the same gestation length as mature sows, usually within a day or two. Small litters tend to lengthen gestation slightly and large litters tend to shorten it.
Check for return to heat 18 to 24 days after breeding: if the sow shows heat again, she is not pregnant. Move her to a clean, disinfected farrowing crate or pen about a week before her due date.
Signs of farrowing: nest-building behavior with the bedding, a full udder and, about 12 to 24 hours before farrowing, milk that can be expressed from the teats.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a gilt pregnant?
The same as a mature sow: about 114 days, with a normal range of 112 to 116 days.
How many litters does a sow have per year?
On a well-managed farm, about 2.2 to 2.4 litters per year, counting gestation, lactation (21–28 days) and the wean-to-breed interval.
When does a sow come into heat after weaning?
Usually 3 to 7 days after weaning.