Unique Pig Research Facility commissioned at AFBI Hillsborough
A new pig research facility was commissioned this week at AFBI, Hillsborough.
(L-R) Dr Elizabeth McCann (AFBI Hillsborough), Mr Owen Brennan (PCM) and Dr Elizabeth Magowan (AFBI Hillsborough) and Mr Tom Hennessy (PCM) represent the proud owners of the unique research facility
The new pig facility is unique within Europe and is jointly owned by AFBI and Preferred Capital Management (PCM). It will complement the existing pig research facilities at AFBI Hillsborough and will enable enhanced information to be obtained on all aspects of pig production from individual pig food intake through growth rate to nutrient output in slurry, within a commercial type environment.
Some of the unique features of the pig facility include:
Individual pig recognition system
Individual feed intake recording
Individual pen slurry collection
Capability to scientifically replicate studies efficiently
The purchase of the pig facility heralds a new era of pig research at AFBI Hillsborough aimed at improving profitability throughout the pig production chain. The research programme will focus on key issues facing the pig industry at present including factors such as reducing production costs, improving performance, addressing environmental issues and improving carcass and meat quality.
The research partnership was represented by
(L-R) Mr Declan Billington (John Thompson and Sons Ltd), Dr Sinclair Mayne (AFBI), Prof Fred Gordon, Mr Owen Brennan (Devenish Nutrition Ltd), Dr Sydney Neill (AFBI), Mr Raymond Bradford (John Thompson and Sons Ltd), Dr Elizabeth Magowan (AFBI), Dr Elizabeth McCann (AFBI) and Dr Violet Beattie (Devenish Nutrition Ltd)
The AFBI pig research team have a history of undertaking high quality, relevant research in conjunction with commercial partners. The first study to be carried out within the new pig research facility will address the key issue of high grain prices within the pig industry. This work will be carried out under the research partnership of AFBI, John Thompson and Sons Ltd and Devenish Nutrition Ltd. Research will investigate the use of co-products, in pig diets. Some co-products are readily available in Northern Ireland and their use has the potential to reduce the current dependence on cereals in pig diets. Detailed information to assess the cost:benefit of new products will be obtained, enabling producers to make more informed decisions in relation to diet formulation.
If you wish to find out more about the Pig Research facilities, including this unique facility at AFBI Hillsborough please contact Elizabeth Magowan or Elizabeth McCann at AFBI Hillsborough
Telephone: 028 92 682484
email:
info@afbini.gov.uk.
