How does litter size relate to the timing of gilt mating?

The relationship between litter size and the timing of gilt mating is best understood by considering biological and reproductive factors. Mating gilts later, after they have fully matured, tends to result in larger litter sizes. This is because gilts that are older and more developed are generally better equipped to handle the physiological demands of pregnancy and farrowing.

As gilts mature, their bodies become more capable of producing and sustaining multiple embryos, which can lead to an increase in litter size. Younger gilts that are mated too early may not have fully developed reproductive systems, which can limit their ability to conceive larger litters. This understanding emphasizes the importance of proper timing for mating in the breeding program to maximize productivity in terms of litter size.

In contrast, the other options reflect misunderstandings about how reproductive maturity influences litter sizes, as they suggest that timing does not play a role at all or involves a linear decrease in size with early mating.