Seaweed Could Reduce Pork Antibiotics Use

pigs

Researchers overseas say seaweed may help pork producers improve their animal’s health and reduce the need for antibiotics. The researchers at Ireland’s University College in Dublin report feeding seaweed to sows may improve piglet health, according to Meatingplace. A professor at the college says seaweed contains many properties which are beneficial to animal health, including vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Seaweed extract also contains a glucose that improves the gut structure of piglets, which researchers say helps reduce both the risk of scouring during weaning. Researchers say seaweed also has “a lot of plus points for sustainable pig production.” The University says seaweed extracts for pork production could be available to farmers within the next year.