January 29, 2015

FRAmelco sees first antibiotic-free pig farm after positive trial results

 

Preliminary results of a mutual research project between Irish research institute Teagasc, University College Dublin and Dutch feed additive producer FRAmelco, on the ability of applying FRA C 12 in combination with FRA Easy Zinc and FRA Easy Copper to treat digestive and respiratory problems, appear promising.

One of the biggest challenges in animal husbandry is to reduce the amount of preventive antibiotics. FRAmelco develops additives as a tool to reduce preventive and curative use of antibiotics.

Before the start of the study serology has confirmed the presence of PRRS and H1N1 at the 300-head commercial sow farm. Contagious animals used to be treated with antibiotics; however this could neither reduce the high mortality observed nor improve animal performance.

At the farm a randomised trial was designed to study the effect of applying FRA products to treat digestive and respiratory problems arising three to four weeks after moving the pigs from the weaning to the finisher units.

In the experimental group antibiotics were removed from the diet while adding a combination of FRA C 12, FRA Easy Copper and FRA Easy Zinc. The control group received antibiotics and the combination of FRA C 12, FRA Easy Copper and FRA Easy Zinc. The aim of the study was to see if antibiotics could be excluded when FRA products are applied.

The trial results have so far indicated that antibiotic treatment on the farm could be removed with no reduction in FCR.

Final results will be published by the end of February 2015.