Pigs & Poultry
Pig throughput declines in 2023
0 Pig throughput declines in 2023 The Irish livestock sector witnessed shifts in 2023, with the most notable change being an 8.9% decrease in pig throughput, recent data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has shown. Pig Slaughterings – A Significant Drop The most striking statistic from the report is the 8.9% […]
4 February 2024
What you can expect from the Pig Development Department in 2024
0 What you can expect from the Pig Development Department in 2024 The Teagasc Pig Development Department team carry out three key services in the areas of Research, Advisory and Education which are co-ordinated to assist Irish farmers in maximising productivity and profitability, whilst operating to the highest standards. On the latest Pig […]
2 February 2024
Lunchtime Webinar Series to focus on key pig husbandry topics
Lunchtime Webinar Series to focus on key pig husbandry topics The Pig Development Department is launching a new continuous learning ‘lunchtime webinar series’ for farm staff, targeting a programme of key husbandry topics over the coming year. The webinars will be short, 60-80 minutes, and each will be targeted on a particular […]
28 January 2024
The value of pig manure in 2024
The value of pig manure in 2024 The current value of pig manure as a valuable fertiliser for grass and tillage crops. Pig manure is a valuable fertilizer with a calculated worth of €32 per 1000 gallons.Its nutrient-rich composition, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, makes it an effective and cost-efficient option for […]
19 January 2024
Adding value to pig meat: What is important to consumers?
0 Adding value to pig meat: What is important to consumers? Molly Harrison, Teagasc Pig Development Department, discusses a study on consumer preferences for pig meat products, focusing on the impact of assurance labels, such as welfare and sustainability labels, on purchasing decisions. Consumers are increasingly conscious of how their food is produced, […]
5 January 2024
Insights from the Finnish pig industry
Insights from the Finnish pig industry Johannes Vugts, Senior Advisor with HKScan Finland Oy, tells us how Finnish producers already have more than 20 years of experience with keeping undocked pigs, as tail docking has been totally forbidden in Finnish pork production since 2003. Finnish production is mainly for the local market. […]
29 December 2023
The production of free-range geese
The production of free-range geese The rearing of geese can be a profitable enterprise on a farm. In many other areas of poultry, the use of artificial heating and lighting has led to year-round production. However, this is not the case for the production of geese. Geese are generally hatched from February […]
24 December 2023
Farm fresh turkey production for the Christmas market
Farm fresh turkey production for the Christmas market Turkey production can be an additional enterprise to many farms and can increase farm income, writes Rebecca Tierney, Teagasc Poultry Advisor. Farm fresh turkey production refers to the growing of turkeys in smaller units, when compared to the large-scale contract commercial all-year-round production. Turkeys […]
23 December 2023
The strengths & opportunities for the Irish pig sector in 2024
The strengths & opportunities for the Irish pig sector in 2024 On this our 50th episode of the Pig Edge podcast, we reflect on the strengths of our industry and look to the opportunities that lie ahead. Heather Peppard, Nutritionist with Brett Brothers, and Roy Gallie, pig and tillage farmer and Chair […]
22 December 2023
Getting weaned pigs drinking water earlier
Getting weaned pigs drinking water earlier Weaned pigs suffer a growth setback in the first week after weaning. Peadar Lawlor tells us that something as simple as providing supplementary water in a cube or turkey drinker can be of immense benefit during this time. Just before weaning piglets can be growing at 400g/day. […]
22 December 2023