The aim of MINAPIG research is to evaluate strategies in agriculture that will reduce the usage of antimicrobials while assuring the health and welfare of pigs and offering sustainable solutions for farmers.
The objectives of the project parts implemented in Switzerland are 1) to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of specific and unspecific technical alternatives to antimicrobial usage in pig production, 2) to identify drivers impacting on choices of farmers and veterinarians between alternative strategies, and 3) to transfer obtained knowledge to different target groups including veterinarians and farmers to promote sustainable pig production.
For objective 1, field studies will be conducted in France, Germany, Belgium and Sweden to investigate and compare different farming practices with the amount of antimicrobials used. Economical evaluations will be conducted to establish the relative costs and benefits from alternative strategies. For objective 2, the attitudes of farmers and veterinarians towards antimicrobial usage and alternative preventive strategies will be investigated. Comparisons will be made between farmers and veterinarians within and between countries. Studies will be implemented in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark and Sweden. For objective 3, the project results will be disseminated via different channels.
The research implemented in Switzerland is under objective 1 (economic analysis, SAFOSO) and 2 (general lead and analysis of survey results, ETHZ).
MINAPIG research will provide the foundation for an integrated understanding of technical and psychological factors driving decisions of farmers and veterinarians about pig health and production and the consequential interventions, particularly the use of antimicrobials across different pig production practices in Europe. The project will enhance our understanding of attitudes, motives and barriers that are impacting on choices related to antimicrobials. This is essential for changing practices used in pig production across countries and for policy development. Results will be communicated using an interactive web site as well as via conventional communication channels, including veterinary and farmer fora.