Pigs & Poultry
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
Pig farm energy costs – analysing your bills
Pig farm energy costs – analysing your bills While energy prices have gradually reduced in the last two years, Pig Development Officer at Teagasc, Emer McCrum explains why now is an opportune time to for pig farmers to review their individual situation and plan measures to reduce this cost. Energy costs, including […]
13 December 2024
Measures to reduce risk of avian influenza come into effect
0 Measures to reduce risk of avian influenza come into effect Following the detection of H5N1 avian influenza virus in a buzzard in Co. Galway this week, flock keepers are now required to apply particular biosecurity measures as a precautionary measure to help prevent outbreaks. Announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and […]
6 December 2024
Pig Edge: Reviewing the 2024 pig and feed prices and the outlook for 2025
0 Pig Edge: Reviewing the 2024 pig and feed prices and the outlook for 2025 Michael McKeon, Specialist Pig Advisor at Teagasc Moorepark, joins Ciarán Carroll for the latest episode of The Pig Edge with a review of pig and feed prices for 2024 and the outlook for 2025. Listen in below: The […]
6 December 2024