Laura Boyle

Introduction:The positive effects of antibiotic treatment on growth and health of pigs during the weaner stage are well known. However the long term ‘carryover’ effects are less well known. There is some evidence that in-feed antibiotics during the weaner stage may have a detrimental impact on the development of the immune system and therefore negative consequences for pig health. We s ...

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major human and animal health problem that is linked with antimicrobial usage. Given current knowledge of the problems caused by AMR in humans and animals, it is important to explore the reasons for differing levels of antimicrobial use in Irish pig production and assess its impact on animal health and performance.Materials and Methods:A questionna ...

Introduction:Piglets from gilts have poorer performance and health during later life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sow parity and other lactation parameters on pig welfare lesions in the weaner and finisher stages.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on a farrow-to-finish commercial farm. At birth, the sex and bodyweight (BW) of 847 piglets was recorded as wel ...

Introduction: To evaluate the effects of removing antibiotics (AB) from the diet of 1st and 2nd stage weaner pigs on the performance of negative behaviours.Materials and Methods:Weaned pigs in a total of 12 groups of 35 pigs each, had in-feed AB removed (NO; n=6) or maintained in the diet (AB; n=6). Groups were observed 1 day/wk between 0900 and 1300h for 3x5min periods each and all occurrences of ...

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of removing antibiotics (AB) from the diet of 1st and 2nd stage weaners on welfare indicators.Materials and Methods:The study involved a total of 12 pens of 35 pigs each where in-feed antibiotics were either removed (NO) or maintained in the diet (AB) during the 1st and 2nd weaner stages (9 weeks in total). Ten focal pigs were r ...

Introduction In the European Union, meat inspection (MI) incorporates measures to conduct animal health surveillance, protect public health and ensure meat quality. In reality the focus of MI in many EU countries is primarily on lesions which pose a risk to human health. Such lesions result in pig carcasses being condemned at ante or post mortem MI. Currently, there is considerable interest in de ...