Reduce antibiotic usage:
how to combat antimicrobial resistance in livestock ?
With a responsible approach performance can be maintained without compromise
The use of subtherapeutic antibiotics (STA)
Are they driving the global antibiotic resistance crisis ?
Antibiotics have long been employed in livestock for disease prevention, control, and treatment. Additionally, their subtherapeutic use to promote growth enabled farmers to produce more meat using less feed. While this practice increased efficiency, it also fueled the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a critical global threat where bacteria adapt to survive antibiotic treatments. AMR threatens not only animal health but also human health when resistant bacteria contaminate the food supply.
Recognizing this alarming trend, many countries have restricted the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. The European Union led the charge, banning such practices in 2006 and achieving notable reductions in antibiotic resistance in livestock and consumer markets. Similarly, the U.S. introduced FDA regulations limiting the use of medically significant antibiotics for growth promotion. Despite these advancements, progress remains uneven in other regions, where change often relies on voluntary measures.
Antibiotic use in livestock and its impact on human health
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animals can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a major threat to both animal and human health.
There are two main ways that antibiotic use in animals can affect human health:
- Direct transmission: When people consume food that has been contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, they can become sick. This is a particular concern for foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are often carried by animals.
- Indirect transmission: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can also spread from animals to humans through contact with the environment. For example, when manure from animals is used as fertilizer, it can contaminate soil and water, which can then expose humans.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health. The WHO estimates that antibiotic resistance could cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050.
Antibiotics vs. gut health: undermining growth & productivity
Fostering a healthy gut microbiome empowers poultry, ruminants, and swine to resist infections naturally, while ensuring steady growth and optimal performance. A balanced microbiome not only enhances immune resilience but also supports efficient nutrient absorption, which is vital for consistent health and productivity.
The gut microbiome: A barrier against pathogens
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract. Controlling pathogen loads is vital to preventing disease outbreaks in animal production facilities.
A healthy gut microbiome acts as a formidable defense against pathogens, both preventing their colonization and limiting their harmful effects. The beneficial bacteria in the gut compete with harmful pathogens for nutrients and space, making it difficult for pathogens to establish a foothold. Additionally, these beneficial bacteria produce antimicrobial compounds that directly inhibit the growth of pathogens.
By understanding the importance of gut microbiome balance and implementing strategies to maintain it, we can minimize the negative effects of antibiotics on animal health and welfare. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimal growth, productivity, and disease resistance.
The gastrointestinal tract: a shift in microbial communities
Antibiotic usage and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are closely linked, as antibiotics can significantly impact the health and balance of the gut microbiome within the GI tract. Here’s why this connection matters:
- Disruption of microbial balance: Antibiotics indiscriminately kill bacteria, including beneficial microbes in the gut. This disruption can lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which weakens the GI tract’s ability to function optimally.
- Reduced natural defenses: A healthy GI tract, supported by a balanced microbiome, naturally combats harmful pathogens through mechanisms like competitive exclusion and antimicrobial compound production. Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis compromises these defenses, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Impact on digestion and nutrient absorption: Beneficial gut bacteria play a vital role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Antibiotics can impair these processes, leading to malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies, which affect overall health and productivity.
- Immune system regulation: The gut microbiome is integral to immune system function, training it to distinguish between harmful and harmless entities. Antibiotic use can disrupt this regulation, making animals more prone to infections and inflammatory conditions.
- Promotion of antibiotic resistance: Frequent antibiotic use creates selective pressure for resistant bacteria to thrive. These resistant strains can colonize the GI tract, posing risks to both animal and human health.
💡How can we help you to reduce antibiotic usage ?
ABF (antibiotic-free) PRODUCTION STRATEGIES
Diseases will always be a threat, and some animals will inevitably become sick during their lives.
By continually developing new and improving existing feed additives, Nutrex supports farmers in facing these threats. Feed additives, alongside other key tools like the correct balance of nutrients, proper hygiene, and husbandry practices, will help farmers better protect the health of their animals long into the future.
Nutrex has developed EndoBan® FT and Phytostar® Extra.
- EndoBan® FT is a combination product of our broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder, Free-Tox XP, and our dedicated endotoxin reducer, EndoBan. EndoBan FT simultaneously combats mycotoxins and endotoxins by eliminating them from the gastrointestinal tract before they can exert their toxic effects.
- Phytostar® Extra is a blend of bio-active and natural ingredients based on the health effects of different plant-based compounds, carefully selected to improve the animals’ fitness by alleviating oxidative stress and strengthening their natural defenses.
WHY CHOOSE OUR FEED SOLUTIONS ?
At the same time, our entire product portfolio is developed to meet various regional and global challenges.
- Our gut & rumen health solutions enhance nutrient absorption and intestinal health, eliminating the need for antibiotics and improving animal welfare.
- Our toxin exposure reduction solutions and biosecurity solutions help mitigate the risks associated with harmful substances and pathogens.
- Our stress-reducing/controlling solutions focus on minimizing environmental and physiological stressors that can impair animal health.
- Our feed intake solutions ensure that animals receive the optimal amount of nutrients to support their growth and health.
Together, these facets of our specialty business help all of our clients, wherever they are located, increase productivity and cost-effectiveness, improve animal welfare, and lessen the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
Paving the path to zero antibiotics:
partnering to preserve overall health and performance in livestock
By 2050, the global population is projected to surge from 7 billion to nearly 9 billion – equivalent to adding twice the population of Africa to our planet. This dramatic growth will drive an unprecedented demand for nutrient-dense foods like milk, beef, and eggs, particularly in developing regions striving to feed families and communities.
Achieving zero antibiotic use in livestock is a big challenge, but it is vital for both animal and human health. To strengthen animal resilience, holistic strategies are crucial. These approaches encompass disease prevention, nutritional optimization, and environmental improvements, ensuring animals remain healthy, productive, and profitable in intensive production systems.
Key strategies include:
- Enhancing biosecurity
Preventing disease transmission within flocks or herds minimizes the reliance on antibiotics. Robust biosecurity measures are a cornerstone of antibiotic-free animal production.
- Implementing vaccination programs
Vaccines are an effective tool in preventing illness, reducing the need for therapeutic antibiotics, and safeguarding livestock health.
- Optimizing nutrition
Different animals have different dietary requirements, so it is important to research what kind of food is best for your animals. Providing a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with specific feed additives will help strengthen their immune systems and reduce their susceptibility to illness.
- Managing and reducing stress
Stress can impair immunity and increase susceptibility to illness in animals. Cleanliness helps prevent the spread of diseases, while a safe environment helps prevent accidents and injuries. Therefore, controlling environmental stressors like poor ventilation and crowding is crucial.
By implementing these strategies, antibiotic use can be significantly reduced without compromising animal health or performance. This shift is essential not only for safeguarding human health but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of livestock production systems.
