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Page 20 %u2013 Australian Pork Newspaper, March 2025 www.porknews.com.auSINCE the US initiated the Veterinary Feed Directive in January 2017, which limits the use of crucial antibiotics in farm animals, researchers have been exploring alternative ways to maintain the health of young pigs, particularly after weaning. Various products %u2013 including organic acids, enzymes, probiotics, antimicrobial peptides, medium-chain volatile fatty acids, spray-dried plasma products and essential oils (also known as photogenic plant products) %u2013 are being investigated as substitutes for antibiotics in swine rations. This review consolidates the findings from studies that tested selected essential oils and dissects evidence suggesting that these products could emerge as viable alternatives for antibiotics. They offer the potential for consistent availability within the industry, high safety factors for pigs and consumers, cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Despite mixed results, the use of essential oils by pig producers in the European Union for several years underscores the need for further research and understanding. However, the potential of essential oils to revolutionise pork production is a promising prospect.Essential oils are defined as natural bioactive compounds that are derived from plants. They include aromatics, volatile (change in chemical structure and overall usefulness) and oily liquids extracted from materials such as seeds, flowers, leaves, buds, twigs, herbs, bark, woods, fruits and roots. Essential oils that have been fed to pigs in multiple research studies include carvacrol, thymol, citral, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, which are derived from thyme, lemongrass, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, basil, oregano and hay leaf.While essential oils are natural bioactive compounds derived from plants, their oily and volatile nature presents challenges in pig diets. These challenges include their effectiveness within diets and their absorption into the pig%u2019s gut. While scientists don%u2019t completely understand how essential oils work in the intestines, they believe they help reduce inflammation and protect the gut. This means essential oils might help lessen some of the problems caused by e coli, which can upset a pig%u2019s immune system and cause diarrhoea after weaning. The need for further research to fully understand the potential of essential oils in pig diets is not only critical, but also urgent and of utmost importance.In the US, research with essential oils for sows, nursery pigs and grow finishers is increasing, as discussed in greater detail below. Though some studies have noted improved feed palatability and intake, contributing to overall growth performance, a clear path to their widespread adoption by pork producers has not been delineated. In addition to the lack of definitive information around the pharmacodynamics effects %u2013 that is, the relationship between dose and the mechanistic beneficial actions %u2013 key challenges facing the use of essential oils in pork production include some potential regulatory concerns, high inclusion costs, formulation and effective delivery methods. The current gaps in knowledge underscore the need for further research on the use of essential oils in pork production.SowsEssential oils have been tested in sow diets to increase overall reproductive performance and key performance indicators typically measured in these studies include sow feed intake, number of piglets born alive and sow milk production. Sows with essential oils in their feed have shown small but significant indications of improved gut health compared to untreated controls regarding intestinal lining changes (especially microvilli density and length), lymphocyte proliferation and various blood parameters. Significant improvements in sow health or performance have accompanied these changes in gut morphology in some studies. For instance, a study in 2009 reported that supplementation of a blend of essential oils from 10 days before the estimated farrowing date through weaning improved early lactation feed intake in sows, decreased sow weight loss during the first week of lactation and enhanced piglet body weight at weaning. A study involving 2100 sows reported that they had higher voluntary feed intake, lower annual mortality rate (4.0 percent versus 6.9 percent), reduced sow culling rate during lactation (8 percent versus 14 percent), increased farrowing rate (77.0 percent versus 69.9 percent), increased number THINKING of heading to the US for the World Pork Expo 2025?Here%u2019s a look at this premier event for pork professionals.The 2025 World Pork Expo will bring the pork industry%u2019s leading producers, suppliers and innovators together for two days of education, networking and business opportunities. Hosted by the National Pork Producers Council, the event will take place June 4-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.NPPC president Lori Stevermer said in a release, %u201cThe World Pork Expo continues to be the premier event for pork producers, offering the tools and insights they need to succeed in a constantly evolving industry.%u201d%u201cEach year, we bring together the top minds in pork production to spark creativity and shape the industry%u2019s future.%u201dHere are a few great reasons to attend.It%u2019s a one-of-a-kind industry experience.The NPPC said, %u201cThe world%u2019s largest pork-specific trade show will once again welcome thousands of pork producers and industry professionals from across the globe.%u201d%u201cLast year, attendees had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology, business solutions and industry trends showcased by 395 companies in nearly 700 booths across 300,000sq ft of exhibit space.%u201d.It%u2019s a great way to reach the next generation.The %u2018Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet%u2019 will take place again, providing a platform for the next generation of industry leaders to discuss key challenges and opportunities. The NPPC added that the event will offer new educational sessions tailored to professionals from all corners of the pork industry, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable insights to grow their operations.A bigger network opens the door for opportunity.This year%u2019s schedule is designed to maximise meaningful connections, with expanded networking events, hospitality tents and social opportunities. Attendees can enjoy the return of complimentary pork lunches at The Big Grill, along with live entertainment and industry receptions designed to celebrate the pork community.Registration details are available soon at worldpork.orgAttendees are encouraged to follow #WPX2025 on Facebook, Instagram and X for event updates. World Pork Expo 2025Great reasons to attend World Pork Expo 2025 in the US.Since limiting the use of crucial antibiotics in farm animals in the US, researchers have been exploring alternative ways to maintain the health of young pigs, particularly after weaning.Essential oils as potential alternative to feed-grade antibiotics in pork productionAdding essential oils to grow-finish pig diets impacted growth performance and carcass merit. Photo: Kathleen Trigg* continued P21