MLC to spell out advice on AGP replacements
23 April 1999
MLC to spell out advice on AGP replacements
By Simon Wragg
MLC chiefs are to quash the uncertainty over which products can be used to protect pig performance following the withdrawal of some antibiotic growth promoters this year.
Speaking to farmers weekly, MLC technical director Mike Attenborough says that producers will shortly be furnished with advice on which products could be used to replace AGPs in pig diets. This follows a board review by MLC staff of independent and commercial trials from across the EU on products which claim to be alternatives to AGPs.
Asked why the MLC has not already undertaken trials of such products, Mr Attenborough says: "It makes sense to review trials that have already been done and not waste resources repeating what could be credible work already completed by others."
Although its likely more trials will be needed to cover all alternative options than the review will cover, a decision on whether these will go ahead will not be taken until the MLC research steering group meets in June.
Tenders will be requested from research organisations to be submitted by September, says Mr Attenborough. By the time trials begin many AGPs will have been banned.
Lothian-based weaner producer James Wylie, who heads the MLCs Pig Strategy Council, agrees with the need for a review of trials already completed, but adds that independent trials are vitally important.
Acknowledging it could be some time before these are completed, Mr Wylie urges producers to improve unit hygiene and pig health, reducing the initial need for AGPs. Where this does not happen and a complete AGP ban is enforced, the UK could repeat Swedens problems where therapeutic use of antibiotics increased sharply after a ban.
While prospects of MLC-funded trials will be welcomed by producers, former MLC Stotfold unit manager Paul Blanchard says it poses challenges for the organisation.
"Trials of alternatives will require results to be attributed to commercial products and thats relatively new ground for MLC. And with several products in each group of AGP alternatives which will be trailed and which wont?"
Dr Blanchard also suggests while numerous UK-based research facilities could undertake such trials, MLC will have to ensure differences in unit hygiene and genotype potential do not influence trials conducted at different research centres.
These questions will be addressed, says Mr Attenborough. "For the moment options are being kept open, but we will be giving careful consideration to get the right information producers require."
Until trials can be completed, Malmesbury-based pig vet Pete Bown says producers should quantify any AGP benefit being achieved on their unit to see whether an alternative is needed.
"Removing AGPs from pigs over 30kg liveweight – while it can affect feed use – is a halfway house to total removal. Its likely AGP use covers up for poor hygiene and as weather improves theres more opportunity to wash and dry out pig houses, and that should be taken advantage of."
AGP ALTERNATIVES
• MLC to review.
• Trials to start.
• Quantify benefits.
AGPALTERNATIVES
• MLC to review.
• Trials to start.
• Quantify benefits.