Dramatic reductions of in feed medication via immunization against enteric pathogens

Abstract

The use of in-feed antimicrobials is coming under increased pressure in food animal production. Five field studies examined the impact of vaccines to stimulate protective immunity against pathogens commonly controlled with in-feed antimicrobials (Lawsonia intracellularis, a common enteric pathogen causing ileitis). Grow-finish pigs were immunized and various levels of infeed antimicrobials used to control or prevent Lawsonia were removed. Performance was compared between vaccinated and matched, continuously medicated barns. Performance was improved in vaccinated/reduced medication pigs while allowing for a 50% or greater reduction in in-feed antimicrobials targeting ileitis. More than six grams of tylosin and 20 grams of tetracycline per pig were removed from finishing feeds. Up to 50% of the time period in vaccinated finishing pigs occurred without any medications in feed. Large amounts of in-feed antimicrobials were successfully removed while improving growing and finishing pig performance.