Boklund, Anette

Dupont, Nana

Fertner, Mette Ely

Stege, Helle

Toft, Nils

Online Research Database In Technology

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Case studies from DenmarkFertner, Mette Ely; Dupont, Nana; Boklund, Anette ; Stege, Helle; Toft, NilsPublication date:2014Document VersionPublisher's PDF, also known as Version of recordLink back to DTU OrbitCitation (APA):Fertner, M. E., Dupont, N., Boklund, A., Stege, H., & Toft, N. (2014). Success factors in weaner production - withlimited antimicrobials, high health and productivite. Case studies from Denmark. Poster session presented at29th NKVet Symposium on Responsible use of antibiotics in animal practice, Copenhagen, Denmark.Success factors in weaner productionwith limited antimicrobials, high health and productivityCase studies from DenmarkMette Fertner1, Nana Dupont2, Anette Boklund1, Helle Stege2, Nils Toft11 Section for Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark2 Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of CopenhagenUse of antimicrobials in the swine industry is a major issue of discussion in Denmark and has caused several political initiatives serving a reduced antimicrobial consumption. However, the discontinuation of growth promoters was observed to have a negative impact on health, especially for weaners (Grave et al. 2006). In-depth case studies of eleven well-managed Danish weaner producers highlight common and individual factors in the management being the reason for their achievements according to participating farmers and veterinarians.Corresponding author:Mette Ely FertnerPhD studentPhone +45 35 88 71 10E-mail memun@vet.dtu.dkDTU VETNational Veterinary InstituteSection for EpidemiologyTechnical University of DenmarkBülowsvej 271870 Frederiksberg CDespite aged  stables it is possible to have a successful weaner production, if the work load is adjusted accordingly. For these 4000 weaners the farmer spend 37 working hours weekly (9.3 hours/1000 weaners/week). The number of working hours is especially affected by the medications procedures, age and construction of the stable.High degree of sectioning.  In this stable, weaners enter at 7 kg and stay until slaughter. The farmer used home mixed wet feed added lactic acid bacteria as starting culture at entrance and in case of upcoming gastrointestinal disorders. Home mixed dry feed.  Clinical signs of an upcoming gastrointestinal disorder would affect this farmer to fine-tune the grind of the feed.Common traits(1) High level of hygiene and sectioningAll farms washed after each batch of weaners, while disinfection and days of drying out varied.(2) One supplier of weanersAll farms received their weaners from one sow farm; either their own or one with whom they had a settled agreement. The size of the weaners at entrance were mentioned by some farmers to influence the results in the weaner production. (3) Commitment of the ownerAll owners (except one) participated in the management on a daily-weekly basis. The owners’ approach highly influenced the core values of the management.Personal passions(1) Feed – home mixed or purchased?“Diarrhea?? No. I adjust the feeding.” (Farmer C)Two passionate home-mixing farmers avoided gastrointestinal disorders simply by adjusting the feed. (2) Medication procedures – injection or flock medication of pen or section?“I only inject the pigs – it is a principle!” “If you strive towards a low antibiotic use, you need to accept a certain level of diarrhea” (Farmer B)Other farmers would have initiated flock medication, but this farmer was determined on an individual-treatment strategy only. (3) Alertness in the management“If you want a successive weaner production you need to spend sufficient hours in the stable…” (Farmer A)The amount of weekly working hours varied from 1.7 to 9.3 hours per 1000 weaner / week.Discussion and perspectivesThese results elucidate the diversity existing in Danish weaner production in terms of management and medication practices, highly influenced by the farmer’s approach. The study illustrates factors affecting the antimicrobial use which are not to be found in the national registers. A questionnaire survey is suggested to test the significance of identified factors.MethodologyIn 2012, 2,776 Danish weaner producers received antimicrobials according to VetStat. VetStat is the national Danish database monitoring all veterinary drugs prescribed for production animals. Eleven veterinarians working in swine practice were asked to recommend their ideal weaner producers. A total of 47 farms were characterized as being well-managed. Eleven of these fulfilled the three selection criteria and agreed on participation. Farms had to be among the best 50% of producers regarding use of antimicrobials (<8.2 ADD15/100 weaner/day), mortality (<2.8%) and daily growth (>443 g/day). Estimations of mortality and daily growth were based on the individual efficiency-reports of participating farms. The eleven case studies were conducted using semi-open ended interviews of the farm owner / manager contemporary with a farm visit.AcknowledgementsWe thank participating herd owners and veterinarians for their time and valuable discussions contributing to this study. Without their willingness to participate, the study would not have been possible.ReferencesGrave K, Jensen VF, Odensvik K, Wierup M, Bangen M. Usage of veterinary therapeutic antimicrobials in Denmark, Norway and Sweden following terminations of antimicrobial growth promoter use. Prev Vet Med 2006;75 (123-132)

Success factors in weaner production - with limited antimicrobials, high health and productivite. Case studies from Denmark

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Success factors in weaner production - with limited antimicrobials, high health and productivite. Case studies from Denmark

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