After the Ban: The Danish Experience

Niels J. Kjeldsen, The National Committee for Pig Production, Denmark

In 1998 the Danish swine industry voluntarily stopped the use of all AGPs in finisher production (pigs weighing more than 35 kg). Experiences collected in 62 finisher herds showed that the majority of the herds (63%) did not experience any problems such as reduced growth or increased frequency of diarrhea. 26% of the herds experienced temporary problems, while 11% experienced permanent problems. The result of this is confirmed by statements of the national production record system (Efficiency-control), where the overall development in daily gain and mortality remained unaffected by the removal of AGPs from finisher pig production.

The application of all antibiotic growth promoters for weaner pigs was voluntarily stopped as of January 2000. This reduced the application of antibiotics as growth promoters to zero. Since then, the use of antibiotics for therapeutic treatment increased, reflecting the increasing problems with diarrhea seen in the weaner period (7-30 kg). The consequences are also reflected in the statements of the national production record system, where daily gain decreased and mortality increased after the removal of AGPs from weaner feed.

Overall, the removal of antibiotic growth promoters has only had a significantly negative effect on production and health in the weaner pig production.

Economic calculations show that the average costs are approx. DKK7.75 per pig, corresponding to approx. 1% increased production costs.

In controlled trials with different additives added to the feed for weaners and finishers, the greatest positive effect on productivity was found in the group of organic acids, mainly when added to weaner feed. The effect depends on the dose and on the composition of the acid.

In herds with problems, it is not sufficient to simply replace an antibiotic growth promoter with organic acids. However, a combination of a number of management efforts including changes in feed has in a number of problem herds improved the health status, while the effect on productivity varied. In most of these herds, the costs connected to optimized management exceeded the improvements in health and productivity.

Niels J. Kjeldsen, The National Committee for Pig Production, Axeltorv 3, Axelborg, 1609-Copenhagen V, Denmark, Tel: +45 3373 2630, Fax: +45 3314 2517, email: njk@danishmeat.dk, Web site: www.danishmeat.dk