What is a characteristic of breeding gilts regarding bone structure?

Breeding gilts are typically evaluated for specific characteristics that indicate health, vitality, and the ability to produce healthy offspring. A key aspect of their evaluation is bone structure, which should reflect strength and durability, essential for handling the physical demands of breeding and gestation.

When considering bone structure, it is important that breeding gilts are not overly refined. An extremely refined bone structure suggests fragility, which could lead to issues in weight-bearing or stress during pregnancy and lactation. Instead, the ideal bone structure is often described as thick and sturdy, which supports their overall health and longevity as productive animals.

Thus, a characteristic that breeders should be looking for in breeding gilts is a robust and sturdy bone structure, which is indicative of strong genetics and capability in supporting reproductive functions. This strength aids in ensuring that the gilt can carry and nurse piglets effectively, leading to better production outcomes in the breeding operation.