Is antibiotic reduction related to pig welfare?

Jan 03, 2023

Inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance. Although several countries banned the use of antibiotics for growth promotion and prophylactic purposes, the global use of antibiotics is still quite extensive. Therefore, it is important to identify the main on-farm stressors in intensive swine production systems, to evaluate their negative impacts on pig health and welfare, and to find strategies to assess how welfare and health improvement of pigs contribute to antibiotic reduction in swine industry.

Animal welfare and environmental issues have been major concerns in the past decades. According to the World Organization for Animal Health “an animal experiences good welfare if it is healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, is not suffering from unpleasant states, such as pain, fear, and distress, and is able to express behaviours that are important for its physical and mental state”.

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Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.