Pigs & Poultry
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
Two years of research in sustainable pig farming
Two years of research in sustainable pig farming Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Head of Teagasc Pig Department, looks back on the last two years of research, focused on helping farmers make informed choices for the future. The last two years have been good for the pig sector and Irish pig farmers have recovered, […]
24 January 2025
Antimicrobial use – still a major concern worldwide
Antimicrobial use – still a major concern worldwide Antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a greater and more pressing threat to human and animal health than climate change and yet it receives much less attention in the media, Laura Boyle, Senior Research Officer in the Teagasc Pig Development Department tells us more. […]
17 January 2025
The Case for Split Sex Feeding Gilts and Boars
The Case for Split Sex Feeding Gilts and Boars Peadar Lawlor highlights how separating boars and gilts and tailoring diets to their unique needs can boost growth efficiency, reduce feed costs, and minimise environmental impact. From around 30kg, male (boar) pigs grow faster and more efficiently than females (gilts). At a given […]
10 January 2025
The story behind your Christmas turkey
The story behind your Christmas turkey Rebecca Tierney, Poultry Advisor, outlines the historical and cultural significance of turkey in Irish Christmas dinners, and shares insights into the dedication and tradition behind producing the perfect bird for your Christmas dinner. Turkey and ham are the staples of any Irish Christmas dinner. However, turkey […]
24 December 2024
The story behind your Christmas ham
The story behind your Christmas ham The Christmas ham is an institution in many homes throughout Ireland, served along with the turkey as the centrepiece of the festive celebrations. Ciarán Carroll describes the journey of your Christmas ham, from farm to fork. Behind each ham is a careful process of pig production, […]
20 December 2024