Pig Conferences Discuss New Welfare Regulations

Issued 4^thOctober 2001

The challenges facing Irish pig producers from the introduction of new EU animal welfare regulations will be one of the major items discussed at the forthcoming annual Teagasc pig conferences.

The conferences which open in Longford on Monday, October 15^th and continue in Kilkenny and Mallow on Tuesday, October 16^th and Wednesday, October 17^th, respectively, will bring the latest information on production, marketing and economics to pig producers.

Announcing details, Brendan Lynch of Teagasc Moorepark said the recently agreed new EU pig welfare regulations pose major challenges for Ireland's high performing pig production sector.

''The new sow housing changes are particularly contentious and have been the subject of intensive research by Teagasc in recent years. The results of this research and its adaptability at farm level will be outlined by the Teagasc research team'', he said.

''Another area of importance to the pig industry is the perceptions which Irish and EU consumers have about welfare practices in pig production. Scientists at the Teagasc National Food Centre have been involved in surveying consumers in four EU countries. They will be reporting their findings at the conferences'', he added.

The conferences will also be addressed by leading Teagasc research and advisory specialists on the critical ingredients affecting productivity and quality assurance of pigmeat. Delegates will also get an outline of the current and future market prospects for the industry.

Each conference runs from 3.30pm to 9.00pm. The following is the full schedule: