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Industry Partners
Prairie Swine Centre is an affiliate of the University of Saskatchewan
Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.
Financial support for the Enterprise Model Project and Pork Insight has been provided by:
RAISING NURSERY PIGS WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS
Posted in: Nutrition, Pork Insight Articles by admin on May 12, 2017
There is a growing demand for meat raised without the use of antibiotics. The consumer is increasingly being educated that this choice comes at a cost and they are increasingly willing to for pay it. Producers have an opportunity to retain a portion of this price increase, to make their operation more profitable. There are a number of challenges that come with antibiotic free pork production. Producers need to weigh the pros and cons for their operation, to determine if it will be feasible and profitable. The tools allowable in each antibiotic free system must be assessed for desired effect before they are incorporated into the system. This discussion will focus on the nursery stage of production, from a farm level perspective.
Pros of antibiotic free production at a nursery stage are mainly to produce a market hog that can be marketed as antibiotic free, or raised under certain restrictions for marketing purposes. Other pros can include a reduction in production costs from reduced antibiotic use and, by default, a higher health status (a higher health status may be necessary to maintain an antibiotic free program). Also, by default, facilities may get some overdue attention, to make sure environment, feeders and water are not causing undue stress to the pigs that prior medication use may have masked.
Cons of antibiotic free production at a nursery stage are fairly straight forward. Disease can rob the extra profits that the program is supposed to incur. Minor issues can become major, when left delayed, or unchecked. Nursery managers can become frustrated if production lags, or mortality and morbidity increase.