Solutions to improve the distribution of antibiotics to piglets

In pig farming, antimicrobials are administered to a group of sick animals via their drinking water, with a constant concentration of antibiotics throughout the day. While this method of distribution is simple, it does not guarantee that each piglet receives the same dose. Not only do animals that have not received enough antibiotics risk therapeutic failure, but these variations in exposure can also contribute to the selection of resistant bacteria and thus to the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Piglets receive different amounts of medication due to three main factors: fluctuations in the concentration of the medication in the water, differences in drinking behaviour, and variations in the physiological parameters of absorption and elimination of medication molecules specific to each animal. Based on this observation, scientists at the INTHERES unit have developed a new approach to antimicrobial distribution.

Consider watering behaviours

Solutions such as increasing doses or administering an initial loading dose have limitations in terms of feasibility, antibiotic residues and environmental impact. On the other hand, distributing medication according to collective watering habits is an area for improvement. Farming factors such as temperature, feed, light and stress influence behaviour, highlighting the importance of calibration tailored to the specific conditions of each farm.

Two distribution strategies were studied: the daily split strategy, where the total dose is optimally distributed throughout the day, and the cumulative strategy, where the dose planned for several days is optimally administered over that period. The latter proves to be more effective overall, as it allows doses to be concentrated over a short period of time in order to maximise the group's exposure.

The results also show that the traditional method, which involves maintaining a constant concentration of antibiotics in the water throughout the day, is the least effective. In fact, any adjustment to the distribution based on the behaviour of the piglets, compared to this traditional approach, significantly improves the exposure of the group.

Finally, models based on water consumption data can identify the most appropriate times to distribute antibiotics, thereby reducing the impact of unpredictable behaviour and optimising treatment effectiveness.

In conclusion, individualised administration of antimicrobials based on water consumption forecasts could improve exposure in animals and contribute to the prudent and sparing use of antibiotics, thereby limiting the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. The work carried out and the results obtained in this study present concrete solutions for companies that develop and market dosing pumps for livestock farms.