Alternatives to Antibiotics in Pig Production: an Obligation, not a Choice?

By Ian Hands BVSc MRCVS, Techna Nutrition

Antibiotic resistance is a human global health concern: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and develop mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making them ineffective in treating infections. It is considered one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is responsible for an estimated 700,000 deaths annually worldwide. If left unchecked, it is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.

But is population livestock farming really to blame, or are there also other factors?

No matter how this situation has arisen, urgent action is required globally if we are to avoid a human health catastrophe going forward.

Antibiotics have historically been widely used in pig farming to promote growth and prevent and treat diseases.

Traditionally, there have been four types of approach for using antibiotics in population livestock:

1. Therapeutic Use: Antibiotics are administered to individual animals to treat diagnosed bacterial infections. This targeted treatment helps to alleviate the symptoms, control the spread of infection, and promote animal welfare. It’s important to say that antibiotics still have a role to play in controlling disease and alleviating suffering for the animal. It is more the approach to how antibiotics are used, and what for, that is in question.

2. Prophylactic Use: Antibiotics are given to groups of animals as a preventive measure when there is a high risk of infection or disease outbreak. This approach aims to protect the entire population from potential bacterial infections. However, this is purely an insurance policy as it is not known whether the pigs will actually be challenged with a bacterial infection.

3. Metaphylactic Use: Metaphylaxis involves the treatment of a group of animals in which some individuals have already been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. The antibiotic is administered to the entire group to prevent the spread of infection and control the disease within the population.

4. Growth Promotion : Historically, antibiotics have been used as growth promoters in livestock, including population agriculture. Low doses of antibiotics are added to animal feed or water to promote growth and improve feed efficiency. This practice is banned in several countries due to concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a serious threat to public health. There are many ways in which antibiotic resistance can be promoted, not just through pig production:

1. Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics : Inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as unnecessary prescriptions, failure to complete the full course of treatment, or using antibiotics for viral infections, can contribute to the development of resistance.

2. Poor Infection Prevention and Control: Inadequate infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings can facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria.

3. Global Travel and Trade: Global travel and trade facilitate the rapid spread of resistant bacteria between countries and regions.

4. Lack of New Antibiotic Development: The pipeline for new antibiotic development has significantly diminished in recent decades making it difficult to combat emerging resistant strains.

5. Agricultural Use of Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics as growth promoters or for disease prevention in animals can lead to the selection and dissemination of resistant strains that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact, environmental contamination, or food consumption.

6. Inadequate Diagnostic Testing: The overreliance on empirical treatment without appropriate diagnostic testing can lead to the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

7. Lack of Public Awareness and Education: Insufficient understanding among the public and healthcare providers about the consequences of antibiotic resistance, appropriate antibiotic use, and the importance of completing prescribed courses.

The decreased use of antibiotics in pigs in the UK has been a significant development in recent years. Concerns over antibiotic resistance and its impact on human health, as well as the welfare of animals, have prompted the implementation of stricter regulations and a shift towards more responsible antibiotic use in livestock farming. This can also be said for many regions of the world. However, whilst some countries may have a reduction in antibiotic policy, monitoring and having governance over that policy could be the blocker to the execution of it.

In the UK, the monitoring of antibiotic use in pigs is an essential part of ensuring responsible and sustainable farming practices. The monitoring process involves collecting data on the quantity and type of antibiotics used in pig production, which helps assess trends, identify areas for improvement, and evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken to reduce antibiotic usage. Monitoring is via several routes:

• Veterinary Prescriptions: serve as an important record of antibiotic use and provide valuable data on the quantity and purpose of antibiotic treatments.

• On-Farm Records: Pig farmers are required to maintain detailed records of all antibiotic use on their farms.

• Antibiotic Sales Data: The UK collects and analyses data on the sales of antibiotics for use in animals. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is responsible for monitoring and reporting antibiotic sales data.

• Quality Assurance Schemes: Include specific standards related to antibiotic use.

• National Surveillance Programs: The UK also participates in national surveillance programs to monitor antibiotic resistance in animals.

• Reporting and Analysis: The collected data on antibiotic use is analysed and reported at both industry and national levels.

So, within the pig industry, what can we actually do to reduce or minimise antibiotic usage and what alternatives exist? Whilst the UK industry has made tremendous steps in antibiotic reduction in livestock, there may be some solutions that are less known or less understood, yet nevertheless available to producers or stakeholders.

Some of the key alternatives to antibiotics in pig farming include:

Vaccination: Stimulate the immune system, allowing pigs to develop immunity against specific pathogens. Whilst vaccination can be very effective when correct protocols of storage and administration are followed, there are bacterial diseases or bacterial strains, and changing viral diseases, which are not covered by “off the shelf” vaccines.

Improved Hygiene and Biosecurity: Maintaining strict hygiene practices and implementing robust biosecurity measures are essential to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Regular cleaning and disinfection of pig housing, proper waste management, and controlled access to farms help minimize disease transmission.

Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that, when administered to pigs, promote a healthy gut microbiota. They compete with harmful bacteria, enhance digestion, and support the immune system. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria.

Management Strategies: Effective husbandry practices are crucial for disease prevention. This includes proper ventilation, temperature control, correct stocking density, and environmental enrichment.

Nutritional Interventions: Optimizing the nutritional composition of pig diets can contribute to better overall health and disease resistance. Well-balanced diets that meet the nutritional requirements of pigs enhance their immune system and promote robust growth. Appropriate feed formulations, including the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and additives, can help minimize the occurrence of diseases. After all, 70% of immunity is developed from the gut. At Techna Nutrition, nutritionists use data generated from their own nutritional trials farm, to implement feeding strategies to go hand in hand with the pigs’ requirements, taking into account the genetics, stage of production, type of housing and management practices. Fine tuning a diet can have considerable effects on gut stability, health, performance and commonly result in cost saving too.

Botanicals and aromatic substances: Certain plant extracts and essential oils have been found to possess microbiota regulating properties. They can be used as natural ingredients in pig feed to support gut health and digestion.

Techna Nutrition has a rich history of providing nutritional expertise, feed products and data services to the global swine industry. Many of the nutritional solutions are based on a combination of botanical ingredients, backed by performance data to validate claims. So, how do these products work?

The use of plant extracts and essential oils as part of an antibiotic reduction strategy in pigs has gained interest in recent years. These botanical compounds are not only being explored for their potential microbiota regulating properties but also for other health benefits and performance improvement. While more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy and mechanisms of action, here are some key points about their use: support the immune system of her piglets. It is well documented that the last pigs to be born can receive significantly less colostrum than the firstborn. This passive immunity is very important to protect the young piglet from infection, thus limiting the need for antibiotics and giving the piglet every chance to become a robust pig at weaning.

Gut microbiota regulation: Many plant extracts and essential oils have shown the ability to modulate the gut microbiota, promoting a balanced microbial population and thereby helping manage the risks associated with a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria. For example, Techna Nutrition has developed Regal G+, a complementary feed specifically targeting Gram-positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus suis, that can be responsible for poor animal health status.

Mode of Action: The microbiota regulating effects of botanicals and essential oils can be attributed to their complex chemical composition. They often contain bioactive compounds such as phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which can interfere with microbial cell structures and functions. These compounds may disrupt cell membranes, inhibit enzyme activities, or interfere with microbial cell replication.

Support a natural inflammatory response: Certain plant extracts and essential oils can support a natural inflammatory response. By supporting inflammation in the gut or other tissues, these compounds may indirectly support the immune system and contribute to better overall health in pigs.

Palatability and Feed Intake: Plant extracts and essential oils are often derived from aromatic plants, which can enhance the palatability of feed. This can lead to improved feed intake in pigs, promoting better growth and productivity. For sows, Techna Nutrition has developed such a product, Silena Lac, which promotes increased feed intake during lactation, with obvious benefits in milk production for her litter, weaning weights, and less body condition loss for the sow.

With the advent of hyper-prolific sows, there is obvious pressure on the sow to produce enough quality colostrum to pass on passive immunity to her entire litter. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are an essential component of the immune system, providing protection against various pathogens. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the sow after giving birth and is rich in antibodies, including IgG, to support the immune system of her piglets. It is well documented that the last pigs to be born can receive significantly less colostrum than the firstborn. This passive immunity is very important to protect the young piglet from infection, thus limiting the need for antibiotics and giving the piglet every chance to become a robust pig at weaning.

IMUN’UP is a Techna complementary feed comprising of botanicals and plant extracts. When fed to sows, trial data shows an increased quantity and longevity of the antibody IgG in the colostrum, supporting the passive immunity transfer to the piglet litter.

The escalating figures surrounding antibiotic resistance underscores the urgency of the situation. Collaborative efforts between the agricultural industry, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are imperative. By implementing responsible antibiotic use practices, exploring alternative strategies such as botanical products, and investing in research, we can safeguard animal welfare, protect public health, and preserve the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.

For further information, please contact:

Dr Ian Hands: ian_hands@gb.groupe-techna.com