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Making the Investment: Getting the Most Out of Your Bred Gilt Purchase

Friday, November 27, 2020

#bidbuyshowwin Showpig News

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—bred female sale season, of course. Showpig.com is fortunate to host numerous bred female sales, for breeders from coast to coast across the country. Showpig.com is committed to helping you enjoy a smooth buying experience, and with that being said, we have compiled a list of things to consider before the sale clock runs out.

Set your goals

While a bred female might seem like a quick turnaround on investment, it is important to consider all aspects of the project before making a transaction. Check that the due date fits in your breeding schedule and you have enough room in the farrowing house and nursery for that time frame. Also, ensure you have the market to sell the pigs a few months after they are born. You must consider all these aspects before buying, in order to be successful.

Call the seller

A face-to-face conversation is not always practical when buying online, so a phone conversation is the next best thing. One phone call will tell you a lot about how they run their business. It will also allow you to pick your brain on the specific female you are interested in. There are a few things we suggest asking while they are on the phone.

Ask more about genetics:

What is the sow line?

Why did they make the specific mating?

If applicable, what were the female’s previous litters like?

Any additional information on the littermates to the female?

What is the farm’s vaccination protocol?

Give them information about your goals and see if they think the female you are interested in aligns with them.

Do your own research

Call references, look at matings, search the seller’s website. Look at all these pieces of the puzzle before making a decision to buy a bred female. Reviewing these important aspects will set your purchase up for success.

Do you want to make the leap and purchase a bred female? We have a lot of options in the next few weeks. Check out our auction calendar.