Minimizing the Use of Antibiotics in Pork Production

treat diseases, improve the efficiency of feed utilization and feed acceptance, or to be beneficial to the health or metabolism of the animal in some way. They typically are administered to pigs through the feed, water or by injection. Feed additives can be divided into two broad categories, subtherapeutic (less than 200g/ton and for more than 14 days) and therapeutic (more than 200g/ton of feed for 14 days or less). Subtherapeutic antibiotics (STAs) are routinely fed to enhance growth rate and feed efficiency and to reduce the risk of an outbreak of some diseases. Therapeutic use of antimicrobials is for the treatment, control, and prevention of bacterial disease, i.e., to treat infected and sick animals. Therapeutic use should be taken under the advice of the herd veterinarian after an evaluation of the health concern and selection of appropriate therapy. Minimizing the Use of Antibiotics in Pork Production