Pigs & Poultry
Analysing the National Herd Performance Report
Providing a fascinating insight into the Key Performance Indicators attained on pig farms across Ireland last year, Specialised Pig Advisor, Ger McCutcheon joins this episode of the Pig Edge podcast to delve further into the findings from the National Herd Performance Report.
28 June 2025
Gene editing: The next leap in pig production efficiency?
Gene editing: The next leap in pig production efficiency? Could gene editing transform pig production as a new tool to boost production efficiency and disease resistance? The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) recent decision has prompted Teagasc researcher, Dr. Peadar Lawlor to explore what this technology might mean for the future […]
13 June 2025
Cleaning liquid feed mix tanks
0 Cleaning liquid feed mix tanks Ciaran Carroll of the Teagasc Pig Development Department takes us through the process of cleaning liquid feed mix tanks, an important task on pig farms given the quantity of feed used. In 2023, the Teagasc Profit Monitor reported an average output of 2.491 tonnes of pig meat […]
6 June 2025
Focus on sow replacement rate
Focus on sow replacement rate Managing sow replacement is key to farm success. Aiming for 5 to 6 litters per sow can cut costs and improve piglet health. Gerard McCutcheon tells us more. The average annual sow culling rate in 2023 was 52% on recorded herds (Teagasc Profit Monitor). The average sow […]
30 May 2025
The water footprint of pig production in Ireland – a good news story
The water footprint of pig production in Ireland – a good news story Shilpi Misri, Keelin O’Driscoll, John Upton and Amy Quinn tell us about how Irish pig farms are using water wisely. As global attention intensifies on the environmental impacts of livestock production, freshwater use has emerged as an area to […]
23 May 2025
Teagasc Annual Layer Conference returns this week
Teagasc Annual Layer Conference returns this week The Teagasc Annual Layer Conference will return for a third year, with the event taking place on Wednesday, May 21 at the Hotel Kilmore, Dublin Road, Co. Cavan. Offering something to suit all – from sustainability to the benefits of eating quality Irish eggs – […]
19 May 2025
What’s the Carbon Footprint of Irish Pig Production?
What’s the Carbon Footprint of Irish Pig Production? Emer McCrum, Pig Development Officer at Ballyhaise, outlines how new work from Teagasc will help inform pig producers of their carbon footprint, paving the way for more informed on-farm sustainability decisions. The overall carbon footprint of pig production is low compared to many other […]
16 May 2025
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