Pigs & Poultry
Adapt your diets for lower protein cereals
0 Adapt your diets for lower protein cereals Kieran Keane explores the drop in crude protein levels in 2024 cereal harvests. What does this mean for pig producers? With wheat, barley, and maize all testing lower than expected, it’s time to reassess formulations to avoid performance losses. It’s been apparent for some time […]
7 March 2025
Everything farmers need to know about putting solar panels on sheds
0 Everything farmers need to know about putting solar panels on sheds Barry Caslin highlights how farmers, blessed with extensive roof areas ideal for solar panel installations, can turn these underutilized areas into energy-generating assets. This can help meet their energy needs & provide the potential to contribute to the national grid. Why […]
3 March 2025
Meeting the energy requirements of lactating sows in 2025
Meeting the energy requirements of lactating sows in 2025 With litter sizes on Irish pig farms growing, Peadar Lawlor highlights the need for optimal sow nutrition during lactation. Balancing high feed intake and nutrient density is essential to rearing healthy litters while maintaining sow condition. Born alive on Irish pig farms has […]
28 February 2025
Proper insurance cover is vital
Proper insurance cover is vital Correct insurance cover is vital to protect your business if an accident occurs on the farm. It is important to understand your insurance cover when you pay your annual premium. Gerard McCutcheon outlines key areas to review, to ensure your farm stays protected. There are three main […]
21 February 2025
Heightened levels of biosecurity needed on poultry units
Heightened levels of biosecurity needed on poultry units The need to implement strict biosecurity measures on poultry units has heightened due to the circulation of avian influenza in the wild bird population in the Republic of Ireland and the confirmation of a positive case in a poultry unit in Northern Ireland. Although […]
20 February 2025
Replacement & Culling Rate
Replacement & Culling Rate Louise Clarke discusses how gilt management impacts sow productivity and farm profitability. With 32% of Irish gilts culled by their third litter, producers face rising costs and declining efficiency. A good culling strategy and good gilt development are key to maximizing herd longevity. Performance from, and management of […]
14 February 2025
Poultry housing order to come into effect
Poultry housing order to come into effect In an effort to protect poultry and captive birds from the risk of avian influenza, a compulsory housing order will come into effect on Monday, 17 February, 2025. Announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., the order has been […]
13 February 2025
‘Highest standards of biosecurity needed’ due to avian flu risk
‘Highest standards of biosecurity needed’ due to avian flu risk Following the confirmation of a case of avian influenza in a small captive flock in Co. Derry, Northern Ireland, poultry keepers have been encouraged to implement the highest standards of biosecurity to protect their flocks and the poultry sector in Ireland. This […]
11 February 2025
Health and welfare: Work in progress
0 Health and welfare: Work in progress Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Head of Teagasc Pig Department, tells us about ongoing research at the Teagasc Pig Research Facility, from reducing antibiotic and zinc oxide use to exploring free-lactation systems, new strategies are being tested to improve farming practices. The new regulations affecting antimicrobial and ZnO […]
7 February 2025
Focus on slurry management
Focus on slurry management Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Head of Teagasc Pig Department, writes about some of the ongoing slurry management research taking place at Teagasc, aiming to test new strategies to ensure a sustainable future. One of the biggest issues for Irish pig farms in the last two years has been slurry […]
31 January 2025