24 January 2025
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, to some extent, from the 2022 crisis. Thus, this is a good moment to invest in the future sustainability of farms and the sector. The technical input from the Teagasc pig department, among others, will be key to guide investment based on solid evidence. To provide farmers with the best information, the pig department has several projects ongoing in different areas to identify international good practice and test it in Ireland and to develop new approaches.
Over the past two years, the Teagasc pig department has tested several innovations.
- The viability of the use of supplementary milk in farrowing and weaning facilities
- Shown the benefits of the use of pain relief for farrowing sows
- Tested different cleaning protocols
- Studied the benefits of co-mingling in commercial farms
- Shown how small adjustments in space allowance or feeder space can improve production performance.
The pig department has also started research on added value for pig products and has started the pig component of Agnav which should highlight the low carbon footprint and efficiency of the pig industry.
The low emissions building in Moorepark with the first batch of pigs.
Last year, the new low-emissions building at Moorepark was put to the test. Inspired by designs from Germany and Austria, features such as scrapers and external covered tanks have proven effective in reducing emissions and improving the facility’s environment.
Some challenges did arise, including cleaning manure from solid floors and the inappropriate use of the resting area as a toilet area. These issues were successfully addressed, providing valuable insights for future farm designs.
The building has been useful in optimising the design and management of such facilities. It has highlighted potential hygiene problems associated with solid floors when facilities are not well-designed. This information has been key to guide the recommendations for TAMS and will be very relevant to avoid similar issues in future farms.