Welfare
13 August 2018
Some of the alternative bedding materials mentioned here can be used in conjunction with traditional cereal straw, either to replace it or offset the increased cost and allow straw-bedding supplies to go further
13 August 2018
Feed makes up ~76% of variable and ~56% of total costs. It may be possible to decrease the cost by switching to a cheaper ration or purchasing in larger quantities, but it can also be achieved through simple, practical actions to minimise feed wastage and to improve the efficiency of utilisation
13 August 2018
Colostrum is produced following farrowing. It contains essential antibodies (immunoglobulins) for the health of the newborn piglet; antibodies kill bacteria and viruses. Piglets are born with very few protecting antibodies and rely on colostrum to defend against bacteria and viruses.
13 August 2018
When performance problems are being look at, water supply is often overlooked. It's essential for nearly all body functions. Dehydration can result in reduced feed intake, lower daily gain and feed conversion, reduced milk production and lower weaning weights.
13 August 2018
Biosecurity; measures taken to limit spread of diseases within farm and from one farm to another, or from outside. Reducing spread of disease helps to maintain unit health, reduce cost of disease and maintain productivity. It should be part of every unit’s disease risk management programme.
13 August 2018
Heat stress will increase the pigs respiration rate in an attempt to keep cool. Animals will seek opportunities for cooling, ie wallowing, soiling pen and lying in urine. If the pig cannot cool itself sufficiently it will collapse and, in the worst scenario, die.
13 August 2018
Strawing up farrowing arcs correctly can help combat piglet mortality in outdoor systems by reducing heat loss
6 August 2018
Report on the topic of the growth of vegans, flexitarians and plant-based food.
3 August 2018
Becoming the best sheep industry for health and welfare is the focus of the Sheep Health and Welfare Group (SHAWG) conference this November
3 August 2018
Heat stress must be avoided in order to prevent unnecessary suffering and reduced productivity in indoor herds
13 August 2018
Tools, market insight and farmer views on dealing with the heat wave and resulting drought