2006 Annual Report for FNC05-578
Reducing and Eliminating the Reliance on Antibiotic Administration on Sustainable Hog Farms
Summary
The objective of this project is to significantly expand the grower base for sustainably produced, antibiotic-free pork.
WORK ACTIVITIES
We coordinated, monitored and are in the process of evaluating on-farm research of the natural products of flax, yeast cultures, oregano and probiotics. Three farms are evaluating the increase in pig production and liveability of pigs for sows fed different amounts per day of flax and yeast. Three farms are evaluating performance results of growing pigs fed different levels of yeast, oregano and probiotics.
We have compiled information regarding 3 research trials regarding the feeding of flax to sows and 3 trials regarding the feeding of oregano to growing pigs.
We have hosted and coordinated 3 producer meetings and put on 2 presentations at the University of the Missouri.
We sent out a newsletter to 200 pork producers regarding results of feeding flax to sows.
We made 42 on-farm site visitations to discuss rearing pigs without antibiotics.
We have hosted four tours on my farm.
RESULTS
Farm research results have shown positive results feeding natural feed ingredients to sows and growing pigs instead of antibiotics. Average number of pigs born alive to sows fed flax was 9.9 compared to 8.2 to sows in conventional systems fed antibiotics. Feed efficiency improved 14.21% for pigs that were fed natural oregano. We have learned that we can raise pigs without antibiotics without sacrificing performance.
Once we have one-on-one interaction on the farm with pig producers, it becomes easier to convince farmers to try natural additives as replacements to antibiotics. Ten new farmers are feeding hogs without antibiotics because of this personal visitation and training.
We are getting tremendous response from our communications and training workshops. Twenty-three farmers have called or e-mailed for additional information.
WORK PLAN FOR 2007
On-farm feeding trials will be completed, analyzed and compiled. (January, Kremer)
Information will be compiled and produced in a flyer/booklet and DVD to be made available to interested farmers. (January, February, March; Kremer, Meyer)
Three more in-depth training workshops will be held throughout Missouri. (January, February; Kremer)
Four press releases will coordinated, three newsletters will be sent and a publication will be prepared. (January, February; Meyer)
A multi-farm tour will be held. (January; Kremer)
Thirty more on-farm visits will be made. (January, February; Kremer, Lewis)
OUTREACH
We have hosted and coordinated 3 producer meetings and put on 2 presentations at the University of the Missouri. These meetings have reached 147 people.
We sent out a newsletter to 200 pork producers regarding results of feeding flax to sows. We also had a news release go out to nearly 40 county newspapers in the state.
We made 42 on-farm site visitations to discuss rearing pigs without antibiotics. Ten new farmers have begun feeding hogs without antibiotics and 28 more are considering.
We have hosted four tours on my farm involving 62 producers.
In the coming year, information will be compiled and produced in a flyer/booklet and DVD to be made available to interested farmers, three more in-depth training workshops will be held throughout Missouri, four press releases will be coordinated and three newsletters will be sent.
A large, highly publicized, multi-farm tour will be held in January.