Piggy Health Matters
Uploaded July 2007

THE USE OF GROWTH PROMOTERS
What are growth promoters?

Growth promoters are the term given to a number of substances that are often included within the feed of the growing pig to maximise growth. These are commonly used in commercial pig rearing and finishing where control cost and output efficiency is critical to the viability of the unit.
There aim is assist with resisting harmful bacteria development e.g. e-coli and to help with the efficiency of food absorption.

The use of growth promoters is controversial when it comes to real organic farming. Although there would appear to be no evidence to suggest that the inclusion of such drugs may be harmful, there are a number of articles written, which seek to link their use, particularly in poultry with the rise in superbugs.

This article seeks to neither support nor condemn their use but simply to explain the different types and drugs used in growth promoter supplements in feed, so that the reader can at least be aware of their inclusion in food. Whether you feel they are a good or a bad thing depends is a matter of personal belief.

Interestingly, several of the above are not permitted in a number of countries.

To be a licensed growth promoter, drugs must comply with the following:

- The must be non-toxic
- Performance must be improved with economic benefits.
- There must be no adverse effects in relation to other antibiotics.
- They must not alter the normal bacteria in the gut.
- They must not pollute the environment They must not increase drug resistance.

Don't assume these drugs are not in your pig feed. Most pig feed is produced for a commercial environment and therefore may be present. Most creep feed has something in and you need to ask the right questions if you want your feed antibiotic free. Tylan for example is used commonly by vets to treat several ailments and can already be in some feeds used in pigs up to six months old.

Read the label and ask what is contained within catch all phrases like 'supplements'. Remember also that some organic feed has some permitted inclusions so it always pays to read the small print if you want to be certain.
 

Chris Coe
christine.coe@hsbc.com
07836 644641