PIGFEED - Introducing new feeding programs & facilities for Irish finishing pigs

Project Summary

Increasing efficiency of Irish pig production at an international level is one of the main priorities of Teagasc Pig Department. Feed during the grow-finisher period accounts for over 60% of the total cost of production in pig farms. Thus, small improvements in this stage result in important increases in profit for farmers. This project gives answers to simple questions that many farmers may have about ideal dietary specs, how to organize their pens or what modifications are needed in their facilities to optimize production.

Increasing efficiency of Irish pig production at an international level is one of the main priorities of Teagasc Pig Department. Feed during the grow-finisher period accounts for over 60% of the total cost of production in pig farms. Thus, small improvements in this stage result in important increases in profit for farmers. This project gives answers to simple questions that many farmers may have about ideal dietary specs, how to organize their pens or what modifications are needed in their facilities to optimize production.

The main objectives of this project are:

• To determine the minimum dietary amino acid and energy to maximize profitability in Irish pig farms.
• To study the effects of density and group composition on performance and health and welfare.
• To develop fast methods to optimize diet formulation for grow-finisher pigs.

Publications & Resources:

• PIGFEED Research Update 2020 (Part 1)
• PIGFEED Research Update 2020 (Part 2)

Teagasc Personnel:

• Dr. Edgar Garcia Manzanilla 
• Jordi Camp Montoro (postgraduate student)

For More details contact:

• Edgar Garcia Manzanilla at Edgar.GarciaManzanilla@teagasc.ie or +353 (0) 25 42290