The work presented in this report comprises the findings of the study on the evaluation of ultrasonic probes and factory measurements used to measure the depth of backfat on live and slaughtered pigs. The work was jointly funded by the Pig Production Development Committee (PPDC) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland (DARD). The aim of the work was to evaluate the accuracy and predictability of ultrasonic probes and factory measurements used in Northern Ireland.

Pesticide usage report: Top fruit crops 2002

Pesticide usage report - arable crops 2002

Animal disease surveillance reports 2007.

Pesticide usage report: Arable crops 2000

Immediately after weaning the growth rate of pigs normally drops dramatically. Feed intake falls until pigs familiarise themselves with the new systems and diets in place for feeding.

An European Union (EU) Commission funded Thematic Network on control of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) has finalised its report after three year’s work. The overall objective of the network has been to provide advice to the EU Community on future management of BVDV infections, based on the experiences of a broad group of European scientists including experts in veterinary medicine and epidemiology, sociology and economics, as well as control programme managers, governmental workers and stakeholders.

Feed restriction on the farm prior to slaughter is a relatively easy way to reduce contamination of carcasses from bacteria of punctured stomachs at the abattoir. In addition it may save small amount of feed, reduce mortality in transport, improve bleeding out and reduce the amount of waste to be disposed of at the abattoir.

The effect of increasing group size on the performance and behaviour of pigs between 4 and 10 weeks of age was assessed. The pigs were assigned to groups of ten, twenty, thirty, forty and sixty at weaning. There were eight groups of each size on the experiment giving one thousand, two hundred and eighty pigs in total. The groups were balanced for gender and weight and were randomised across litters. One four-space dry feeder and separate drinking bowl was provided per ten pigs in each group.

The potential for eliminating maize and fish meal, and reducing the levels of cereals in diets for finishing pigs was examined.

How to control Johne’s disease in cattle.

Includes two book reviews.

An investigation into the influence of group size on the performance and behaviour of weaned pigs - 1999