Antibiotic-Free Pork Production: Challenges and Opportunities – Part 1

In recent years antibiotic-free pork production has gained significant traction driven by consumer demand for more natural and health-conscious food options. While the idea of raising pigs without the use of antibiotics is appealing, its implementation poses substantial challenges. Traditionally, antibiotics have been used not only to treat illnesses but also to promote growth and prevent diseases in densely populated farming environments.

Transitioning to antibiotic-free pork production requires stringent biosecurity measures, enhanced sanitation practices, and potentially higher costs due to increased mortality rates and slower animal growth. Some producers have successfully adopted these practices, proving that antibiotic-free pork can be a viable reality. However, the broader question remains whether this model can be scaled without compromising animal welfare or economic viability, leading many to wonder if antibiotic-free pork represents a tangible shift in agriculture or merely a niche market aspiration.

What is Antibiotic-free pork production?

Prof. Jens Peter Nielsen from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen discussed the “Raised Without Antibiotics” (RWA) pork production in Denmark. According to him, the biggest challenge in RWA pork production is managing the increased prevalence of health issues such as umbilical hernia, which rose from 1.9% to 5.1% after adopting RWA practices.

Producers must carefully decide when to initiate antimicrobial treatment versus when to wait, while also addressing common issues such as diarrhea in piglets or nursery pigs. Economically, the greatest challenges include the extra work time per piglet, the need for higher-quality feed, and the increased reliance on vaccines. Currently, the Danish Crown has terminated the RWA production contracts in June 2023.

The future of antibiotic-free pork production

The future of antibiotic-free production seems promising, particularly as it becomes increasingly adopted as a standard practice in pig farming. This shift is seen as foundational for responsible production, encompassing animal welfare and sustainability goals such as decarbonization.

The AVANT consortium believes that, “Antibiotic use should be minimized as much as possible while ensuring adequate animal health and welfare. Antibiotic-free production builds on existing best practices and offers a viable strategy to minimize antibiotic use in pig production. Clearly defining and promoting this production system – while addressing aspects of animal health protection – can help achieve the EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy’s goal of cutting overall EU sales of antimicrobials for livestock by 50% by 2030, without compromising animal welfare or the economic sustainability of pig farming.”

Growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable products is expected to expand the market share for antibiotic-free pork. To support and sustain this trend, a comprehensive approach is recommended, including financial incentives such as subsidies, along with educational and support systems for farmers.

Continuous monitoring and data-driven evaluation are crucial for demonstrating benefits and refining practices. Recognizing the global impact on agriculture, environment, and consumer preferences, embracing failures as learning opportunities will foster resilience and innovation, ultimately promoting antibiotic-free production as a viable widespread practice.

AVANT Workshop on Antibiotic Free pork- production

On June 13th 2024, AVANT organized a workshop in Heraklion, Crete. This hybrid workshop brought together around 90 participants to discuss the challenges and market potential of antibiotic-free pork production. The aim of the workshop was to facilitate dialogue and consensus on specific themes pertinent to the future of antibiotic-free pork production.

The involvement of significant partners such as SEGES, COOPERL and FVE, alongside other relevant national and international stakeholders, offered a diverse array of perspectives and expertise crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of this type of production in the years to come. One significant outcome could be the development of a position paper encompassing the collective insights, agreements, and recommendations arising from the discussions held during the workshop.

For more information about the workshop, check the second part of this blog dedicated to the workshop, visit the  AVANT YouTube channel and Zenodo community

Blog Part 2: https://avant-project.eu/avant-workshop-antibiotic-free-pork-production/

Workshop: https://youtu.be/07nm2ExFliM?si=90fUGehcwOION6Lm

Zenodo: https://zenodo.org/communities/avanth2020/

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