Pigs & Poultry
Maximising the sow daily lactation feed intake
Maximising the sow daily lactation feed intake Michael McKeon writes about the continuous challenge for pig producers to maximise the sow daily lactation feed intake. The feed intake in the farrowing room is the ‘engine’ for the unit. If intakes are high and the ‘engine is purring’ then milk yield, weaning weights […]
12 April 2024
Sow mortality: why, who, where, when, what?
0 Sow mortality: why, who, where, when, what? Ciarán Carroll addresses the increasing sow mortality rates in Ireland, highlighting factors contributing to these rates, and outlines strategies for reducing mortality, emphasizing the importance of accurate records. By international levels, the Irish figure is not high. Data from InterPig 2022 shows sow mortality levels […]
5 April 2024
The situation with current feed ingredient prices
The situation with current feed ingredient prices Kieran Keane, Pig Research Technician specialising in nutrition, with the Teagasc Pig Development Department joins Amy Quinn on the latest Pig Edge podcast to discuss current feed ingredient prices, the new Teagasc pig feed lab and current and upcoming Teagasc pig nutrition research trials. For […]
29 March 2024
Teagasc Pig Research Farm performance in 2023
Teagasc Pig Research Farm performance in 2023 In the first video update of 2024 from the Moorepark Pig Research Unit, Aisling provided an overview of the unit’s achievements and challenges throughout 2023. Aisling discussed significant metrics in reproductive success, including an 86% farrowing rate. The average number of piglets born alive saw […]
22 March 2024
Farmers leading the way in pig welfare with WelFarmers
Farmers leading the way in pig welfare with WelFarmers Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, tells us that the EU is on its way to produce new regulations in the area of animal welfare. These regulations are based on consumer demands and scientific evidence. However, farmers have protested on several occasions that the way that […]
15 March 2024
Space to grow: Reducing stocking density has benefits for pig welfare and performance
0 Space to grow: Reducing stocking density has benefits for pig welfare and performance Keelin O’Driscoll & Melissa Cupido, tell us that in recent years, there has been increasing emphasis placed by national and EU regulators when it comes to adapting pig management strategies to improve welfare. One strategy which is encouraged is […]
8 March 2024
Optimising Pig Performance: Balancing diet, sustainability & the future
0 Optimising Pig Performance: Balancing diet, sustainability & the future Fiona O’ Meara, Commercial Pig Nutritionist with Inform Nutrition, joins Amy Quinn on the latest episode of The Pig Edge to discuss all things pig nutrition, from dry sow fibre levels to the aftermath of zinc oxide removal and finisher phase feeding. For […]
1 March 2024
Water disinfection by chlorination
Water disinfection by chlorination Clean drinking water is essential for the growth and development of pigs and as such, plays a key role in animal performance, writes Emer McCrum. The provision of clean drinking water is therefore essential to support all stages and ages of pigs. Younger animals in particular however are […]
23 February 2024
Encouraging the use of pig slurry
Encouraging the use of pig slurry Farmers interested in importing slurry, in order to minimise fertiliser costs, are advised to complete a nutrient management plan first to assess their nutrient needs against slurry import rules. Louise Clarke tells us more It is important that farmers are aware of the maximum amounts they […]
16 February 2024
A new year – A new plan
0 A new year – A new plan This is an opportune time to take stock of what happened in the past, and to make plans for the future, writes Gerard McCutcheon. It is important in any business to examine past performance. Do you know what your exact production costs were last year? […]
9 February 2024