Pigs & Poultry
Sow management to reduce empty days
0 Sow management to reduce empty days Ciarán Carroll has seen a rise in empty days, when sows are neither pregnant nor nursing, on several farms. In this article, he shares practical tips to help reduce empty days through better sow management. A good target is 9 to 13 empty days per litter. […]
9 May 2025
Trial Results: Crude Protein in Finisher Diets
0 Trial Results: Crude Protein in Finisher Diets Kieran Keane tells us about a recent trial at the Moorepark Pig Research Facility examining how different crude protein levels in finisher diets impact pig performance, feed efficiency, and profitability, and why ingredient analysis is key to getting it right. We conducted a trial in […]
2 May 2025
Caring for sick animals on farm
Caring for sick animals on farm Good care helps sick pigs recover faster and suffer less. Louise Clarke explains how to spot illness early, treat pigs properly, and make the right decisions. Last month I attended a Pig Welfare Information evening in the Kilmore Hotel in Cavan organised by the Department of […]
25 April 2025
WelFarmers: Collecting Good Practices to Improve Pig Welfare
WelFarmers: Collecting Good Practices to Improve Pig Welfare Neil Tirchett brings tells us about WelFarmers, a Europe-wide effort to boost pig welfare through real farm practices, shared insights, and smart solutions. The WelFarmers project is now in its second year. Its main goal is to collect and share good practices from pig […]
18 April 2025
EU Partnership in Animal Health & Welfare
EU Partnership in Animal Health & Welfare Keelin O’Driscoll tells us about a new EU Partnership in Animal Health & Welfare, an ambitious research and innovation initiative the European Commission (EC) has funded to control infectious diseases of animals, and to promote animal welfare. Launched in 2024, the Partnership is expected to […]
11 April 2025
The benefits of using pig slurry in tillage farming
0 The benefits of using pig slurry in tillage farming On this month’s Pig Edge podcast, we’re featuring highlights from a recent episode of the Tillage Edge focusing on the benefits of using pig slurry as an alternative to chemical fertilisers in tillage farming. Pig production is one of the main consumers of […]
4 April 2025
New post-weaning strategies being tested out at Teagasc Pig Research Facility
0 New post-weaning strategies being tested out at Teagasc Pig Research Facility A 200-sow pig research centre based at Teagasc Moorepark, the Teagasc Pig Research Facility (TPRF) will test out post-weaning feeding and housing strategies this year. Aisling Holmes, TPRF Farm Technician, has provided an update on the latest developments at the facility […]
2 April 2025
Farm Energy Costs: Improving Energy Efficiency
Farm Energy Costs: Improving Energy Efficiency Energy costs are a major expense for pig farms. Reducing energy use improves sustainability and saves money. A simple review of energy use can highlight ways to cut costs and boost efficiency, Emer McCrum tells us more. Energy use (measured in kWh/ pig produced) is a […]
28 March 2025
Eating more – it’s easier said than done!
Eating more – it’s easier said than done! Michael Mc Keon highlights the importance of maximising sow feed intake. It boosts milk yield, weaning weights, and fertility. But how do we make it happen? We all agree that good feed intake is crucial. But how do we achieve it? Pig producers often […]
21 March 2025
Broiler litter as a fertiliser in tillage systems
Broiler litter as a fertiliser in tillage systems Broiler litter boosts soil fertility and structure while cutting costs for tillage farmers. Rich in key nutrients, it must be managed carefully to maximise benefits and minimise risks. Veronica Nyhan highlights its role in sustainable farming with proper application. Broiler litter is composed of […]
20 March 2025