Studies on preventive strategies and alternative treatments against roundworm in organic pig production systems

TY - JOUR

T1 - Studies on preventive strategies and alternative treatments against roundworm in organic pig production systems

AU - Borgsteede, F.H.M.

AU - Gaasenbeek, C.P.H.

AU - van Krimpen, M.M.

AU - Maurer, V.

AU - Mejer, Helena

AU - Spoolder, H.A.M.

AU - Thamsborg, Stig Milan

AU - Vermeer, H.M.

N1 - Improving Production Efficiency, Quality and Safety in Organic and 'Low-Input' Food Supply Chains

PY - 2011/12

Y1 - 2011/12

N2 - Organic and many 'low input' production standards for pigs require outdoor access, and as a consequence expose the animals to a wide range of potential endo- and ectoparasite infection sources. Conventional anthelmintics are used to control parasitic infections, but their preventive use is banned by the organic standards. The present paper investigates the potential of prevention of infection through better hygiene. Attempts were made to break the infection cycle through thorough pen cleaning 10 weeks after the pigs had been introduced to the pen. Although pen fouling can be reduced, the level of roundworm (Ascaris suum) infection was not reduced. Regular deworming with conventional medication is still required in addition to good hygiene.

AB - Organic and many 'low input' production standards for pigs require outdoor access, and as a consequence expose the animals to a wide range of potential endo- and ectoparasite infection sources. Conventional anthelmintics are used to control parasitic infections, but their preventive use is banned by the organic standards. The present paper investigates the potential of prevention of infection through better hygiene. Attempts were made to break the infection cycle through thorough pen cleaning 10 weeks after the pigs had been introduced to the pen. Although pen fouling can be reduced, the level of roundworm (Ascaris suum) infection was not reduced. Regular deworming with conventional medication is still required in addition to good hygiene.

KW - Former LIFE faculty

KW - Organic farming

KW - Ascaris suum

KW - Endoparasites

KW - Pigs

U2 - 10.1016/j.njas.2011.09.008

DO - 10.1016/j.njas.2011.09.008

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1573-5214

VL - 58

SP - 173

EP - 176

JO - N J A S Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences

JF - N J A S Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences

IS - 3-4

ER -