Exploring the path towards reducing antibiotic use in pigs

Across Europe, a combination of legislative changes, market demands, and consumer expectations is driving a shift towards more responsible practices in the use of antibiotics. For pig producers and their nutrition and veterinary teams, this change represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Source Alltech Author: Dr. Hazel Rooney So, how can the pig industry continue to produce healthy, high-performing animals using fewer antibiotics? The answer lies in a more comprehensive approach, combining optimal management and nutrition strategies with the use of specific science-based technologies. Antibiotic use in pig production: Why reduce its use now? Antibiotics have played a fundamental role in pig production, primarily for the treatment of sick pigs, but also for the prevention of disease outbreaks. Until 2006, in Europe, the use of antibiotics in animal feed was also a common practice to improve the growth and feed efficiency of pigs. Unfortunately, the routine use of ...