The guidelines are aimed at reducing the need for antibiotics, improving the overall health of pigs and provide an overview of the following key aspects:
- Reducing the need for antibiotics: pig husbandry practices that can reduce the need for antimicrobials are analysed. This includes the implementation of an empty/occupied system that provides optimal conditions for pigs as well as comfortable conditions for piglets.
- Environment: The importance of controlling temperature, humidity and lighting in pig facilities is emphasised. Ensuring proper housing conditions can significantly reduce animal stress and, consequently, the need for treatment.
- Feed and water: attention is paid to the quality of feed and water, which directly affects the health of pigs and their resistance to disease.
- Biosecurity practices: general recommendations on biosecurity and pathogen transmission are considered. Reducing the risk of disease transmission is a key factor in preventing the need for antibiotics.
- Vaccine prophylaxis: the importance of vaccination as an effective way to prevent diseases and reduce the use of antimicrobials is emphasised.
- Principles and rules for the use of antibiotics: the principles and rules for the use of antimicrobial veterinary medicines, including diagnostics and justification for the prescription of antibiotic therapy, are described in detail.
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders calls on all industry participants to actively implement these guidelines to ensure animal health, improve product quality and maintain the competitiveness of Ukrainian pig production in the international market.
Additional information is available on the website of the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders - asu.pigua.info.
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders is a non-profit, voluntary organisation founded by domestic pork producers. The main goals of the association are to represent and protect the rights and interests of the association's farms, promote the development and implementation of new technologies for efficient pork production, expand sales markets, and protect the domestic market.
