In the framework of the ”Sino-German cooperation project on animal breeding and husbandry in China“ the project team organized a three-day online webinar with the topic “Antibiotic-free feeding of pigs”. More than 120 participants attended the event. The webinar was implemented by ADT Project Consulting GmbH with the National Animal Husbandry Service (NAHS) in close collaboration with German Farm Consulting, international experts and the project’s business partners such as Big Dutchman, Sano and Menno Chemie. The webinar took place on the 25th and the 26th of August with an additional Q&A session on September 1st. The topic for this event was selected since the Chinese government has spoken out a legal ban on antibiotic growth promoters in feed from January 1, 2020 onwards.
The participants were welcomed by Dr. Liu Chousheng (Head of Department for Animal Breeding at the NAHS) and Ms. Svenja Fuhrman (Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), Division 624 – International Projects, Twinning). Dr. Li Jiao (NAHS) gave an overview of upcoming regulations and the legal framework of the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry in China.
Dr. Dieter Mischok pointed out that the use of antibiotics in livestock farming is mainly aimed at controlling bacterial diseases. Whereas in the past, antibiotics were applied through feed and drinking water, farms have now the task to change to individual treatment of animals. Dr. Mischok also showed which steps have to be taken to achieve less antibiotic use in pig farming. This also includes staff training on disease signals as early detection. Additional input was given by :
– Jan Nevermann (Menno Chemie) on best practices in the washing of animals to fight skin parasites and bacteria
– Dr. Ulrich Presuhn on the importance of efficient work processes to improve hygiene and prevent the spread of germs
– Manfred Schönleben (SANO-Moderne Tierernährung GmbH) on pig nutrition and the impact on animal health
– Hauke Hohnhorst, (Big Dutchman) on the climate factors and the impact of efficient ventilation on animal health
– Henrik Delfs (ADT) on anitibiotic free feeding schemes and the achieved results on the project work with the demonstration farms in China
