The Teagasc Pig Development Department held their Pig Open Day this week over two locations, Moorepark Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, and Ballyhaise Agricultural College.
This was the first large in person pig research event since 2019. Delegates were welcomed to the event in Cavan by the Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O’Mara, and in Cork by the Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation programme, Professor Laurence Shalloo. The opening session also included an overview of the research programme by the Head of the Pig Development Department, Dr. Edgar Garcia Manzanilla.
Over 170 pig producers and industry stakeholders attended over the two day annual event. The format of the day comprised of a new structure, where attendees were guided through interactive stations. This provided an ideal opportunity for attendees to see first-hand the results of the comprehensive research programme undertaken by Teagasc, and to meet and discuss with the researchers, advisors and postgraduate students who carry out the work.
The interactive stations covered a wide range of topics covering many issues aiming to improve the sustainability of the Irish pig industry; managing the pig environment, improving pre- and post-weaning management and nutrition, managing disease, grower and finisher feeding, and the potential for developing added value pig products for the retail and export markets. Also included in the day was a viewing of the newest addition to the Teagasc Pig Research Facility, a state of the art finisher building tailored to conduct low emissions and high welfare research trials.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Keelin O’Driscoll, Teagasc Researcher said; “The Teagasc Pig Department has a strong reputation both nationally and internationally in cutting edge pig research. However as well as showcasing our work, a main aim of the open days was to engage with our stakeholders so that going forward we can effectively target our programme to address their needs. We were absolutely delighted with the high attendance and constructive discussions at all the interactive stations.”
Source: EMM/ A&FDA