Integrated research programmes are undertaken in the areas of production, nutrition, welfare and meat quality. The 150 birth to bacon sow herd based at AFBI Hillsborough is managed as a commercial herd. The herd is complemented with specialised research resources, which enables detailed scientific investigations to be conducted. Interlinking research across the areas of production, nutrition, welfare and meat quality allows the achievement of commercially applicable conclusions. Currently key areas of research include:
- Maximising efficient feed intake of pigs from birth to bacon
- Investigation of the nutritive value of ‘new’ and traditional raw materials in pig feed
- Reducing the environmental footprint of pig production
- Reducing the variable growth rate of pigs
- Pre-empting and advising on the effect of proposed welfare legislation
- Identification of on farm factors which affect pig meat quality
For more information contact:
Dr Elizabeth Magowan
AFBI, Hillsborough
Large Park, Hillsborough
Northern Ireland, BT26 6DR
