317 – Antimicrobial use in Swedish farrow-to-finish pig herds is related to farmer characteristics (Research paper – Backhans 2016)

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317 Research paper – Backhans 2016 – Antimicrobial use in Swedish farrow-to-finish pig herds is related to farmer characteristics

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:

The farm , or farm-related factors influencing antimicrobial (AM) use in 60 farrow-to finish pig farms in Sweden was investigated and how biosecurity level, farmers’ attitudes to AM and information provided by the herd veterinarian influence AM use under Swedish conditions. There was no significant association between biosecurity and AM use and attitudes to AM were also not significant associated with AM use. However, individual characteristics of farmer were found to be important. Older farmers, females and university-educated farmers used more AM in suckling piglets, and older farmers use more AM in weaners. Larger farms were associated with higher treatment incidence in fatteners. The lack of association between AM use and biosecurity was explained by the general better biosecurity level in Swedish herds and may thus be more difficult to identify, and might be due to the overall better health status of the pigs.

Where to find the original material: https://porcinehealthmanagement.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40813-016-0035-0; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40813-016-0035-0
Country: SE

311 – Non-antibiotic feed additives in diets for pigs – A review (Research paper – Liu – 2018)

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311 Research paper – Liu – 2018 – Non-antibiotic feed additives in diets for pigs_ A review

In Significant Impact Groups: Feed / gut health \ Feed additives and supplements
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
A number of feed additives are marketed to assist in boosting the pigs’ immune system, regulate gut microbiota, and reduce negative impacts of weaning and other environmental challenges. The most commonly used feed additives include acidifiers, zinc and copper, prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast products, nucleotides, and plant extracts. Inclusion of pharmacological levels of zinc and copper, certain acidifiers, and several plant extracts have been reported to result in improved pig performance or improved immune function of pigs. It is also possible that use of prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast, and nucleotides may have positive impacts on pig performance, but results have been less consistent and there is a need for more research in this area.

Where to find the original material: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30140751/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2018.01.007.
Country: US

309 – Role of Feed Processing on Gut Health and Function in Pigs and Poultry_ Conundrum of Optimal Particle Size and Hydrothermal Regimens (Research paper – Kiarie – 2019)

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309 Research paper – Kiarie – 2019 – Role of Feed Processing on Gut Health and Function in Pigs and Poultry_ Conundrum of Optimal Particle Size and Hydrothermal Regimens

In Significant Impact Groups: Feed / gut health \ Feed composition
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
Processing livestock feed influences gut health/function, efficacy of feed enzymes and nutrient availability. Finer feed particles allow better absorption of nutrients (increased surface area allowing better contact with digestive enzymes) and enhance animal performance. There is a limit to the particle size; very fine particles negatively affect gut health, i.e. stomach ulceration in pigs and gizzard dysfunction in poultry. Coarse particle size increases stomach and hindgut acidification, which may be beneficial in controlling overgrowth of gut bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli. However, since most commercial pig/poultry diets are subject to heating to reduce levels of feed-borne bacteria (e.g. Salmonella) reduction of feed particle size is inevitable. However, achieving high nutritional quality and processing at high temperatures does not favour high nutrient availability and stability of heat sensitive enzymes. Therefore, feed processing balance maximum nutrient utilization, feed hygiene status, stability of enzymes post-processing and impact on gut health.

Where to find the original material: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838217/; https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00019
Country: CA

308 Antimicrobial prescription patterns of veterinarians_ introduction of a benchmarking approach (Research paper; Bos, 2015)

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308 Research paper – Bos – 2015 – Antimicrobial prescription patterns of veterinarians_ introduction of a benchmarking approach

In Significant Impact Groups: Prudent use AB \ Veterinarian
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef;
Summary: A benchmark indicator for antimicrobial use on farms in the Netherlands was defined and introduced in 2011. As established by Dutch law, each farm is linked to one specific veterinarian (the contracted veterinarian), and therefore analysis of defined daily dosages animal per farm (DDDAF) can be done for all farms served by one veterinarian. The benchmark indicator for veterinarians estimates the likelihood of exceeding the farm action benchmark threshold for all farms for which the veterinarian is the contracted veterinarian. The added value of setting benchmarks for veterinarians is first and foremost to be found in self-regulation of the veterinarians, as the benchmark threshold is expected to stimulate veterinarians to mirror their prescription pattern to their colleagues and to trigger discussions between veterinarians.
Where to find the original material: https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/70/8/2423/811814; https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkv104
Country: NL

305 – Decentring antibiotics – UK responses to the diseases of intensive pig production (Research paper – Woods – 2019)

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305 Research paper – Woods – 2019 – Decentring antibiotics_ UK responses to the diseases of intensive pig production

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
It is assumed that antibiotics had a transformative effect on livestock production by making it possible to keep larger numbers of animals in smaller spaces without them succumbing to disease. This article argues that their impact has been overstated. It draws on evidence from the veterinary, farming and government literature to demonstrate the significance of other methods devised by vets, farmers etc. of reducing diseases that emerged in association with intensive production systems. These methods predated antibiotics and evolved alongside them. They understood pig diseases as highly complex interactions between pigs and their environments. Recognition of the roles played by housing, husbandry, nutrition, and pathogens in the production of pig disease suggested multiple possible points of intervention other than antibiotics. This article challenges existing claims about antibiotics role in intensive farming, and draws attention to other methods of promoting pig health, which may find renewed applications as we move towards a post-antibiotic era.

Where to find the original material: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-019-0246-5#article-info; https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-019-0246-5
Country: UK

303 – Antimicrobial Usage and -Resistance in Livestock – Where Should We Focus (Research paper – Magouras – 2017)Research paper – Magouras – 2017

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303 Research paper – Magouras – 2017 – Antimicrobial Usage and -Resistance in Livestock_ Where Should We Focus

In Significant Impact Groups: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance; Antibiotic use; Prudent use AB
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age: Different for different species
Summary:
Antimicrobials play a crucial role in animal health, animal welfare, and food-safety . However, a not yet quantifiable share of the burden of AMR is attributable to the use of antimicrobials in livestock production. Resistant bacteria can be introduced into the environment in many ways, such as the land application of livestock manure as fertilizer. Our understanding of AMR in livestock production is hampered by the lack of antimicrobial usage (AMU) data in many countries. AMR development and spread is driven by human behaviour, from the prescription of antimicrobials to infection prevention and control. This complexity necessitates the need for highly interdisciplinary research approaches, comprising humans, animals, and the wider environment. In line with the WHO global action plan on AMR, research should be prioritized toward understanding the social/behavioural drivers of AMU and AMR, establishing/improving systems to monitor AMU, and encouraging a holistic approach to AMR through the One-Health concept.
303 Research paper – Magouras – 2017 – Antimicrobial Usage and -Resistance in Livestock_ Where Should We Focus
Where to find the original material: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2017.00148/full; https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2017.00148
Country: CH

296 – The effect of vaccination on the transmission of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs under field conditions (Research paper – Villarreal – 2011)

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296 Research paper – Villarreal – 2011 – The effect of vaccination on the transmission of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs under field conditions

In Significant Impact Groups: Pathogen management \ Vaccination
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young;
Summary:
This study investigated the effect of vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on its transmission in nursery pigs under field conditions. Seventy-two pigs were randomly placed at weaning into vaccinated (V) and non-vaccinated (NV) groups. Animals in the V group were vaccinated at 3 weeks of age with a commercial M. hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine. Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid taken at weaning and at the end of the nursery period was assessed for the presence of M. hyopneumoniae, and the reproduction ratio of infection (Rn) was calculated. The study indicates that vaccination does not significantly reduce the transmission of this respiratory pathogen.

Where to find the original material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023310001450; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.04.024
Country: BE

295 – A systemic integrative framework to describe comprehensively a swine health system Flanders as an example (Research paper – Rojo-Gimeno – 2018)

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295 Research paper – Rojo-Gimeno – 2018 – A systemic integrative framework to describe comprehensively a swine health system Flanders as an example

In Significant Impact Groups: Other
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Not stated;
Summary:
The objective of this study was understand the complexity of a swine health system. To that end, qualitative interviews were held with 33 relevant stakeholders in Flanders. Findings show the Flemish swine health system features coordinates well policies and sector’s agreements to reduce the antimicrobial use in the pig sector and is adequately complemented with good education of health professionals. However, the lack of an adequate professional representation of swine veterinarians, the tradition that veterinary advice is provided for ‘free’ by feed companies, and the shortage of reliable farm productivity data are problems. Furthermore, often the business model used by veterinarians is based on the sale of medicines. This leads to conflicts of interest on preventive vaccinations advice and, in turn, farmers distrust their advice. The results of this study can aid policy makers to anticipate the effects of proposed interventions and regulations, leading to better estimates of their effectiveness.

Where to find the original material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587717307687; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.02.017
Country: BE

294 – Oral administration of synthetic porcine beta-defensin-2 improves growth performance and cecal microbial flora and down-regulates the expression of intestinal toll-like receptor-4 and inflammatory cytokines in weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (Research paper – Tang – 2016)

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294 Research paper – Tang – 2016 – Oral administration of synthetic porcine beta-defensin-2 improves growth performance and cecal microbial flora and down-regulates the expression of intesti

In Significant Impact Groups: Feed / gut health \ Feed additives and supplements; Specific alternatives
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young;
Summary:
Synthetic porcine beta-defensin-2 (pBD-2) was tested as an alternative to antimicrobial growth-promoters in pig production. Thirty 21-day weaned piglets were challenged with Escherichia coli, and orally dosed with either sterile water (CON), pBD-2 (BD) or neomycin sulphate (NS) twice daily for 21 days. Therefore, pBD-2 has antimicrobial activity in piglets, and it can improve growth performance, reduce inflammatory cytokine expression and affect intestinal morphological indices in the same way as probiotics. Moreover, pBD-2 has a more positive effect on intestinal morphological indices and intestinal probiotics of piglets than does NS. Therefore, the present results suggest that pBD-2 may be a suitable replacement for NS in piglets.

Where to find the original material: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/asj.12540; https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.12540
Country: CN

293 – Effects of dietary hop beta-acids or colistin on the performance nutrient digestibility and intestinal health of weanling pigs (Research paper – Sbardella – 2016)

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293 Research paper – Sbardella – 2016 – Effects of dietary hop beta-acids or colistin on the performance nutrient digestibility and intestinal health of weanling pigs

In Significant Impact Groups: Feed / gut health \ Feed additives and supplements; Specific alternatives
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young;
Summary:
This study evaluated the effects of hop (Humulus lupulus) beta-acids or colistin on several parameters, namely body weight (BW), Average feed intake (ADFI) Average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed ratio (G:F). Two hundred 21-d weaned pigs fed diets supplemented with 0 (negative control), 120, 240, or 360 mg/kg hop beta-acids, or with 40 mg/kg colistin (antimicrobial control) during a 35-d experiment. Increasing dietary levels of hop beta-acids improved linearly BW, ADG, G:F,and digestibility in weanling pigs. The colistin treatment improved BW, ADG, and G:F compared to the negative control. No difference in growth performance was observed between hop beta-acids levels and colistin. Overall, the occurrence of diarrhea was lower for colistin, negative control, and 360 mg/kg hop beta-acids than for other levels. In conclusion, dietary hop beta-acids concentrations up to 360 mg/kg improved weanling pig growth rate by affecting the efficiency of feed utilization, as well as observed for colistin.

Where to find the original material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840116301420; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.04.007
Country: BR