Energy & Biosecurity Considerations for the Poultry Industry

In recent months, we have seen energy prices soar increasing producer costs substantially. As Ireland is tasked with increasing the amount of energy produced from renewable sources, now is an ideal time to consider Solar PV for your unit. Mel Gavin will discuss the best options for solar PV grant aid on your farm. Teagasc have developed the Signpost Programme in a bid to use operating farms to demonstrate options to be more environmentally sustainable. For the poultry sector, Belview Eggs is the Signpost farm. Rachel Johnson from Belview Eggs will tell us about their involvement in the programme.

The last number of years have been exceptionally difficult for poultry producers with continuing diseases threats of AI and ILT. As we enter a high risk period, it is crucial producers take a look at their unit and implement a stringent biosecurity plan. James Greaves will be presenting us with the best practices to aid in keeping disease out of our farms. Sam McKenzie, from Kersia, will discuss correct terminal hygiene and water hygiene to help reduce bacteria loads.

Animal Health Ireland are available to assist producers with checking biosecurity on farm with their FREE biosecurity audits. Carla Gomes will be present on the evening to give details of this and the veterinary companies registered to complete these audits. DAFM will also be present to give us an update on the situation in Ireland and the UK. They will also discuss the Surveillance Zones and Protection Zones and the measures implemented should an outbreak occur.

Agenda:

• 7:30pm – Opening
  Rebecca Tierney, Teagasc
• 7:40pm – Energy Usage on Layer Units
  Mel Gavin, ATU
• 8:00pm – Signpost Programme
  Rachel Johnson, Belview Eggs

• 8:15pm – Break – Tea/Coffee

• 8:30pm – TASAH & Biosecurity Audits
  Carla Gomes, AHI
• 8:40pm – AI Update (Ire & UK), Regulations around SZ & PZ & Compensation
  Speaker TBC
• 9:00pm – Biosecurity: practical measures to help keep your flock and the poultry industry safe
  Dana Simpson, St David’s Poultry Team
• 9:30pm – Detergents & Disinfectant Correct Usage & Water Hygiene
  Sam McKenzie, Kersia
• 9:50pm – Close 
  Rebecca Tierney, Teagasc