Pig

A UK-wide exercise which simulates an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) is set to begin this week to test the Government’s contingency plans to contain and eliminate the disease. 

Pigs have been part of the business mix at Slighhouses since the 1950s where recently a drive to improve enterprise performance has seen a new pig breed introduced and fresh approach to marketing taken.

NFU Scotland has urged Pilgrim’s to stop operating pricing practices which they say are putting the sector at risk

Recent research found found supplementing sows with oregano essential oil (OEO) has the potential to increase margin over feed value by 59 per sow per year, and increase the number of piglets weaned.

Farmers were losing £26/head in the first quarter of the year

Producers were still losing money despite recent price rises

The origin of feed is becoming a key issue for livestock producers, but care is needed transitioning to sustainable protein sources.

Recent research has concluded that feeding mealworms a diet of wheat bran combined with the enzyme phytase significantly increases their mineral composition. Hannah Noble reports.

Farmers’ margins remain squeezed despite pig prices rising

Keeping pigs, like any livestock, is a satisfying experience, but there are a number of things to consider before taking the plunge