Mar 15, 2005 12:00 PM,
by Joe Vansickle, Senior Editor (952) 851-4670; jvansickle@primediabusiness.com
The National Pork Board recently launched the program, “Take Care — Use Antibiotics Responsibly.” It is designed to encourage producers and their veterinarians to follow specific principles and guidelines to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance while preserving animal health and protecting human health.
The pork checkoff-funded program assesses the need for antibiotics and their appropriate use and disposal. Also incorporated are practices contained in the Pork Quality Assurance program.
Pork producers, veterinarians, pharmaceutical and feed industry officials and government leaders developed the antibiotics program.
To obtain a copy of the Take Care manual, call (800) 456-PORK.
Friday's USDA/Department of Justice "Competition in Agriculture Workshop," held in Ankeny, IA, was long on rhetoric, but surprisingly balanced regarding substantive issues. A wide range of opinions were expressed and the proceedings were far more orderly than most expected.
In addition to the number of recorded heat cycles before breeding and the gilt’s exposure to gestation stalls before breeding, there are additional management factors that affect gilt performance. Following are a few additional considerations:
