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Pig Journal Volume: 57
Publication date: May 2006

Proceedings Section

EFFECTS OF THE BAN ON ANTIMICROBIAL FEED ADDITIVES ON PIG PRODUCTION IN DENMARK
N.J. Kjeldsen

Abstract
This paper describes the impact of removing antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP) on productivity and health in pig production in Denmark.
In February 1998, the Danish swine industry voluntarily stopped the use of all AGPs in finisher production (pigs weighing more than 35kg). 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 diarrhoea. Twenty-six percent of the herds experienced temporary problems, while 11% experienced permanent problems. This result was confirmed by the national production record system, indicating that the overall development in daily gain and mortality remained unaffected by the removal of AGPs from finisher pig production.
The use of all antibiotic growth promoters for weaner pigs was voluntarily stopped in January 2000. Since then, the use of antibiotics for therapeutic treatment increased, reflecting the increasing problems with diarrhoea seen in the weaner period (7-30kg). This was reflected in the statements of the national production record system, which confirmed daily gain decreased and mortality increased after the removal of AGPs from weaner feed.
The cost of production increased by approximately DDK 7.75 (1.03 Euro) per pig produced (birth to slaughter) after the removal of AGPs. Its economic impact on the pig producers has been highly variable. Some costs associated with modifications of the production system are difficult to measure and have not been included in the economic calculation, although they may have been substantial for some producers.
Overall, the removal of AGPs from pig production in Denmark had only significant consequences for weaner production (7-30kg). The total consumption of antibiotics was reduced significantly from 206 tons (active component) in 1994 to 102 tons in 2003. Termination of antimicrobial growth promoters also dramatically reduced the food animal reservoir of resistance to these growth promoters, and thus to several clinically important antimicrobial agents in humans.

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