On May 6, 2025, the University of Copenhagen, AVANT coordinator, will host the AVANT–PIG PARADIGM Stakeholder Event, bringing together researchers, veterinarians, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore innovative strategies for reducing antibiotic use in pig farming. This collaborative effort seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation, paving the way for a more sustainable future in EU pig production.

Antibiotic use in pig farming has been a growing concern due to its impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), animal health, and environmental sustainability. The AVANT and PIG-PARADIGM projects aim to develop alternative solutions, such as high-fibre diets, faecal filtrate transplantation, and gut microbiota interventions, to reduce reliance on antibiotics while maintaining animal welfare and economic viability.

Event Highlights and Speaker Lineup

The event is structured into two key sessions: a morning session focusing on the latest scientific advancements and an afternoon session discussing the future of pig production in the EU.

Morning Session: Showcasing Two Projects

The day will open with welcoming remarks from Luca Guardabassi (University of Copenhagen, DK) and Charlotte Lauridsen (Aarhus University, DK), coordinators of the AVANT and PIG-PARADIGM projects.

Key presentations will include:

• Faecal filtrate transplantation and fibrous feed to reduce antibiotic use – Anouschka Middelkoop (Schothorst Feed Research, Netherlands) will share results from the AVANT trials demonstrating how project interventions can improve gut health and lower antibiotic dependency.
• Effects on pig gut microbiota – Mattia Pirolo (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) will examine the impact of faecal filtrate transplantation and fibre-rich diets on pig gut microbiota, offering insights into microbiome-driven health improvements.
• AVANT survey results – Diana Texeira (Animal Health Europe and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, Belgium) will present findings from a survey that will measure the acceptance of alternative to anti-microbials developed in the project within different target groups.
• Regulations in animal health – Klaus Helmann (Argenta, Germany) will discuss the need to rethink the current regulatory framework to encourage innovation in sustainable pig farming.

The session will conclude with a panel discussion chaired by Charlotte Lauridsen (Aarhus University, DK), allowing for cross-sector dialogue on translating research into real-world applications.

Afternoon Session: The Future of Pig Production in the EU

The afternoon will shift focus toward the broader challenges of sustainable pig farming.

• Treatment strategies to reduce antibiotic use – Jens Peter Nielsen (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) will outline treatment methods that minimize antibiotic reliance.
• Economic sustainability of the AVANT model – Joao Sucena Alfonso (University of Liverpool, UK) will evaluate the financial viability and sustainability of alternatives to antimicrobials.
• Perspectives from key stakeholders:
  • The veterinarian’s view – John Haugegaard (Danish Veterinary Association, Denmark)
  • The farmer’s experience – Kristian Møller (Danish Food and Agriculture Association, Denmark)
  • The public health implications – Robert Skov (Statens Serum Institut, Denmark)

The event will wrap up with a panel discussion, chaired by Luca Guardabassi, (University of Copenhagen, DK) bringing together diverse perspectives on the future of sustainable pig farming. The conversation will continue at the networking mixer—a chance for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new collaborations.

For more information, visit the AVANT Project website.