We combine econometric and financial analyses of the NAHMS 2000 Swine Surveydata to examine whether evidence exists for reducing risk by usingantibiotics for growth promotion (AGP) in the U.S. swine industry. Astochastic dominance analysis of alternative lengths of time (days) of AGPapplication reveals that AGP used in the range of 65–75 days is preferred byrisk-averse producers. Risk is reduced and profits are increased from use ofAGP. The combined impacts of increased average daily gain and decreasedvariability in pig live weight increase producer profits by $2.99 per pigmarketed.
