There is a growing market in the U.S. for pork raised without
antibiotics, including certified organic pork. A researcher at
the University of Illinois has created a resource to help swine
producers identify strategies that they can use to manage
weanling pigs without using antibiotic growth promoters. Hans
Stein, professor of animal sciences, has released a new brochure
titled "Strategies for managing weanling pigs fed no antibiotic
growth promoters." The brochure is the third in Stein's "Swine
Focus" series. "The goals of the producer should be to promote
growth, reduce pigs' disease exposure, and increase their
resistance to disease," said Stein. "There are a number of
measures producers can take to help pigs perform well in the
absence of antibiotic growth promoters." Strategies for managing
weanling pigs without the use of AGPs include: Weaning practices
– Segregated early weaning and all-in-all-out production reduce
disease pressure, Environmental controls – Keeping facilities at
the proper temperature