Impact in production costs resulting from the adoption of interventions to reduce antimicrobials in pig production in Europe: findings from EU-project AVANT.

OBJECTIVES

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, with antimicrobial use recognized as a key driver. The post-weaning period is one of the most antimicrobial-intensive phases in pig production. This study assessed the impact on production costs of feed-based and immunomodulatory interventions designed to reduce antimicrobial use in European pig production.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Within the EU-funded AVANT project, we evaluated feed-based strategies (alfalfa diets and high-fibre/low-protein 'secure' feed) and immunomodulatory interventions (faecal filtrate transplantation and vaccination against Shiga-producing Escherichia coli). Using data from field trials and observational studies conducted in Denmark, the Netherlands and France, we estimated the additional production costs per kilogram of pigmeat associated with each intervention. Cost and production parameters were derived from InterPIG and EU datasets (2019-2023) and adjusted under alternative mortality scenarios (6%-24%).

RESULTS

Feed-based interventions for piglets accounted for a small share of total feed costs and increased production costs by <0.2% at EU level. Vaccination against Shiga-producing E. coli increased production costs by <1%. By contrast, faecal filtrate transplantation resulted in substantially higher costs under trial conditions, increasing production costs by 9%-11% depending on mortality assumptions. None of the interventions negatively affected pig performance metrics in the trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Feed-based strategies and vaccination represent accessible and affordable options to reduce antimicrobial use in pig production in Europe. More innovative approaches such as faecal filtrate transplantation remain costly under experimental conditions but may become economically viable through regulatory approval, market development and economies of scale.