Teagasc announce details of ‘Virtual Pig Week’
The latest research and the best technical advice and information for pig producers will be broadcast live from Teagasc Moorepark at 1.30 pm each day from Tuesday 20 October until Friday, 23 October. The ‘Virtual Pig Week’ is being organised by the Teagasc Pig Development Department.
Teagasc announce details of ‘Virtual Pig Week’
Each day will feature an interactive online event from 1.30–2.30 pm focusing on a range of topics in pig production; from key husbandry practices, to a webinar on the role of feed ingredients in disease transmission, a visit to a progressive pig farm and virtual tour of the Teagasc Moorepark Pig Research Facility.
Speaking in advance of the Virtual Pig Week’, Edgar Manzanilla, Head of Teagasc Pig Development Department said: ”A variety of contributors will share their expertise and experience including Teagasc farm staff and researchers along with pig producers and international experts. I would encourage all pig producers and those involved in the sector to tune in each day at lunchtime for the latest and most up to date research and advice.”
Each event will feature a live discussion panel, who will host questions and answers sessions where you can submit your questions to be answered live during the event.
To join the live stream each day visit www.teagasc.ie/virtualpigweek to register.
Programme for Virtual Pig Week
Tuesday, 20 October - Virtual Tour of Teagasc Moorepark Pig Research Facility
On day one, Tuesday 20th October, join Tomás Ryan, farm manager at Teagasc Moorepark Pig Research Facility, as he takes us on a tour of the unit. Tomás will walk us through the 200 sow unit, from the breeding building to the finisher building stopping along the way to speak about some of the farm practices at Moorepark and highlighting facilities found in the unit which aid both production and research.
The live panel for this event will be hosted by Emer McCrum, Teagasc Pig Development Department Specialist Advisor.
Wednesday, 21 October - Key husbandry practices in pig production
On day two of Virtual Pig Week the focus will be on key husbandry practices in pig production. Teagasc Pig Development Department researchers and farm staff will share some of their key husbandry practices and tips. Focusing on the areas of weaning, farrowing and feeding, they will discuss topics including weaning pigs in intact litters, inducing sows to farrow, wet feeding and particle size in pig feed.
The live panel for this event will be hosted by Louise Clarke, Teagasc Pig Development Department Specialist Advisor.
Thursday, 22 October - Biosecurity & Energy use; Farm visit
On day three join us on a virtual farm visit to Eugene & Ciarán Sheehan’s progressive pig farm in Co. Cork. Eugene and Ciarán will tell us about how improving biosecurity on their pig farm has led to great improvements in production and reduced antibiotic use. They will also discuss their use of alternative energy, solar and biomass, on their farm and the benefits they have seen since switching.
The live panel for this event will be hosted by Gerard McCutcheon, Teagasc Pig Development Department Specialist Advisor
Friday, 23 October - The role of feed ingredients in disease transmission; webinar with Dr Scott Dee, Director of Research for Pipestone Applied Research, Minnesota USA
Dr Scott Dee, Pipestone Veterinary Services, joins us from the US for a presentation on disease the role of feed ingredients in disease transmission. Dr Dee joined Pipestone Veterinary Services in July of 2011. Before joining the clinic Dr Dee was a swine practitioner in Morris, Minnesota for 12 years and for the last 12 years a professor at the University of Minnesota where he conducted research in the areas of PRRSv transmission and biosecurity. Currently he serves as Director of Research for Pipestone Applied Research conducting research in the areas of viral transport and transmission in feed, feed biosecurity, and antimicrobial resistance.
The live panel for this event will be hosted by Ciarán Carroll, Teagasc Pig Development Department Head of Knowledge Transfer
To register visit www.teagasc.ie/virtualpigweek