I was interested to see an editorial in the April *Scientific American*,
accompanying their article about superbugs.  It tells how Denmark's ban in
the late 1990's on nontherapeutic antibiotics has turned out *not* to have a
very negative impact on swine production.  This paper from the Pew
Charitable Trusts
http://www.saveantibiotics.org/resources/DenmarkExperience.pdf goes
into greater detail.  Asterisks and italicized comment are mine:

The industry responded with "minor changes in animal husbandry, such as more
frequent cleaning of housing, improved ventilation, *later weaning*,
additional space for animal movement, as well as experimenting with feed
quality and additives"  and "...swine production has increased by nearly 50
percent since 1992 *(the peak of antimicrobial growth promoters).* In
addition, the average number of pigs born per sow has increased (a key
indicator of swine health), and the average daily gain of weaners and
finishers has increased since the ban."

Imagine that!

Ruth Piatak, BA, MS
La Leche League Leader
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Tulsa, Oklahoma
214-886-1218 (cell)
918-585-9114 (home)
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