Pig production in Ireland ranks third in importance behind beef & milk production accounting for 8% of Gross Agricultural Output. Pigs are reared for their meat but there are a large number of by-products utilised from pig carcasses. In 2015 Ireland exported an estimated 230,000 tonnes of pigment, worth approximately €570 million. The UK was the main Irish pigmeat market receiving 40% of our total pigmeat exports, 25% was exported to Continental EU and the remaining 35% went to international markets. There are approximately 1.5 million pigs in just under 300 farms in Ireland.

At the end of this section you should be able to:

• Discuss the main breeds of pig and their characteristics.
• Outline the dental formula of the pig
• Outline the gestation period and oestrous cycle (duration & length) of the pig
• Provide the target weights for bonhams at various stages of their growth
• Describe the management of a bonham from birth to slaughter.
• Describe the management of the dry and in young sow.
• Briefly outlines the control of diseases in pigs