Practically, the effect of selection for growth and efficiency on breeding performance has been largely ignored in the past, despite changes in the age and weight of animals at puberty. It has been demonstrated that it is beneficial to delay service in gilts, both to improve their condition and allow them to complete more oestrous cycles prior to service. It seems likely that performance of boars might also be enhanced if they were worked later.

This analysis was designed to examine the relationship between age and reproductive performance in the boar, with a view to developing guidelines for young boar management.