Research by the Dutch agricultural economic institute, part of Wageningen University and Research Centre, has shown an increase in the use of antibiotics in swine finishing operations and the broiler industry.
The study, involving 52 finisher farms and 42 sow farms, indicates that between 2004 – 2007 antibiotic usage in finisher pigs increased by 3.5 daily dosages a year. Across the Dutch livestock industry, antibiotic use increased 9% in 2007 over 2006 although usage on dairy farms and sow herds remained steady.
The use of antibiotic growth promoters was banned in 2006. Study results for the period 1999 – 2007 show an increase in antibiotic use of 3%. The therapeutic use during this period increased by 83%.
Source: PigProgress.net, February 19, 2009