Strategies for producing antibiotic-free pork [Video]

Companies avoiding the use of antibiotics use management strategies to eliminate the use of the medications rather than rely on alternative feed ingredients.

On-farm protocols used by two “no antibiotics ever” pork brands in the United States include genetics, extended pre-weaning days and unconventional feed schedules.

Why it matters: There’s increasing pressure on livestock operations to reduce their antibiotic use, to help slow resistance to the critical medications.

Jim Magolski, senior director of hog quality and protocols for Niman Ranch and Coleman Natural Pork — both owned by Perdue Farms — was a co-presenter on antibiotic alternatives during the recent London Swine Conference.

Magolski said farmers he works with don’t seek to replace an additive with a different additive. Instead, numerous husbandry, genetic and dietary factors go into what he called “a …