In swine terminology, what defines a gilt?

A gilt is specifically referred to as a female pig that has not yet had a litter of piglets. This term is used in swine management to distinguish between female pigs by their reproductive status. Understanding this terminology is crucial for swine producers when making breeding and management decisions.

In the context of swine breeding, recognizing the difference between a gilt and a sow (which is a female that has already given birth) aids in identifying the appropriate animals for breeding or production purposes. A gilt represents a vital stage in a female pig's life before she transitions to becoming a sow after her first litter, making the distinction significant in swine production practices.