Beyond AGPs: Resilience in Southeast Asia’s swine production

Ermin Magtagnob

What are the biggest hurdles faced by regional swine producers, and more specifically in the Philippines, in moving away from AGPs?

One of the biggest misconceptions is thinking that removing antibiotics is just about swapping one product for another. In reality, antibiotics do several things at once — they control bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve feed efficiency. Once they are removed, producers need to manage all those biological challenges differently.

In market such as the Philippines, producers are balancing ASF recovery, fluctuating feed costs, heat stress and feed ingredient variability while working to maintain productivity and animal health..

What misconceptions exist around AGPs and antibiotics?

There’s often confusion between AGPs and therapeutic antibiotics. Removing AGPs does not mean antibiotics can no longer be used — it simply means antibiotics should be reserved for treatment, not growth promotion. Understanding that distinction is critical.

What defines a resilient gut health program compared to conventional approaches?

A resilient gut health program is one that continues to perform even when farms face challenges like outbreaks, heat stress, feed changes, or mycotoxins. Instead of relying on a single solution, it combines biosecurity, clean water, feed hygiene, proper nutrition, and targeted feed additives. The key is not asking what product to use, but identifying what is limiting pig performance at that moment and choosing the right targeted combination of scientifically validated feed additives and ingredients, combined with a comprehensive nutritional approach..

Which nutritional or management strategies are most effective without AGPs?

There is no silver bullet. What works is combining strategies such as:

• ✅ Organic acids to reduce microbial pressure
• ✅ Plant extracts to lower inflammation and strengthen gut integrity
• ✅ Probiotics or postbiotics to support a healthy microbiome
• ✅ Good management practices to sustain performance

Successful gut health programs depend on management fundamental first, with nutritional technologies serving as supporting tools rather than standalone solutions.

What practical steps and protocols can farms follow to transition successfully?

I always recommend starting with the basics:

• ✅ Strengthen biosecurity to keep pathogens out
• ✅ Ensure water quality and feed hygiene are consistently good
• ✅ Evaluate feed formulation and ingredient quality
• ✅ Introduce nutritional interventions gradually
• ✅ Monitor performance closely throughout the transition

The farms that succeed are those that transition step by step, not overnight.

How is ADM investing in research to strengthen gut health programs?

ADM’s research focuses on understanding the biological factors limiting performance and developing science-based nutritional strategies to address those challenges under commercial conditions. We are researching microbiome management, gut integrity, and nutritional solutions like plant extracts, postbiotics, organic acids, and innovative mineral technologies.

The goal is to provide science-based solutions that help producers improve performance under real commercial conditions.

How do evolving regulations and consumer demand influence adoption of gut health programs?

Globally, antimicrobial resistance and economic sustainability are shaping the industry. Consumers, especially after COVID-19, are more conscious of how food animals are raised. Regulations differ by country, but the overall direction is clear — producers need alternative ways to maintain animal health while reducing reliance on antibiotics.

What indicators should producers monitor to evaluate gut health program effectiveness?

We need to measure outcomes, not just perceptions. Key indicators include feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, mortality rates, medication usage, and consistency of performance. If those metrics improve and remain stable over time, that is a good sign the gut health program is working.

What innovations will shape the next phace of gut health management in Asia?

The future will be much more data-driven. We will see greater use of precision nutrition, microbiome analysis, biomarkers, improved water management, and digital technologies like AI sensors to detect problems earlier.

While new technologies offer opportunities, the principle remains the same:producers should continue focusing on measurable performance indicators and foundational management practices.

How can backyard producers adapt to AGP removal?

Backyard producers will find the transition harder, but education and support are key. At ADM, we work with feed mills and partners to share experiences from Europe and the US, and we tailor programs to local realities. Practical demonstrations help smaller farms see why gut health programs matter and how they can succeed.

Looking ahead

The move away from AGPs is not about quick fixes — it is about reshaping production systems for resilience. By combining strong biosecurity, sound nutrition, and science-based innovations with adaptability to local farm realities, Southeast Asia’s swine producers can safeguard productivity while preparing for a more sustainable, globally aligned future.