Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.

If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

Pork producers have relied on the production benefits of feed grade antibiotics since penicillin was first discovered in the late 40s (by Alexander Fleming) and the large scale manufacturing of antibiotics that began to take place in the 1950s. Certain antibiotic compounds fed appropriately to pigs continue to demonstrate an improved health status observed as improved rate of gain and better-feed utilization.

Today society and consumers are developing a perception that is in contrast to the 50-year-old production practice of feeding antibiotics solely for improving rate of gain or feed efficiency. This society trend has in turn led to an opportunity for the pork production community (including veterinarians and engineers) to revisit facility design and production practices that can also demonstrate an improvement in rate of gain and the utilization of feed in the absence of feed grade antibiotics.

This paper will attempt to present some of the data associated with altering production practices including biosecurity practices, streaming, nocturnal feeding practices, pen size and alternative facility design. (Download PDF)    (Export to EndNotes)