As awareness of antibiotic resistance grows in Australia, it’s crucial to understand the impact of reducing antibiotics in livestock. Pathogenic bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, posing a threat to human health through the food chain. The AVANT project in the EU aims to explore alternative antimicrobials for bacterial infections in livestock, particularly post-weaning diarrhoea in pigs. The project involves diverse stakeholders, including veterinarians, pig farmers, and consumers, to gather insights on antibiotic resistance and the need to reduce antibiotics in animal production.
The Antibiotic Reduction Journey in Livestock
In the EU, regulations have already prohibited the use of Anti-Microbial Growth Promotors (AMGP’s) in pig and poultry diets since 2006. This move has resulted in a significant reduction in the use of antibiotics in livestock, as illustrated by the substantial decrease in the use of antibiotics in the Netherlands shown in Figure 1. Recent developments, such as the ban on therapeutic dosages of zinc oxide (ZnO) in pigs in 2022, have further intensified the focus on reducing antibiotic use in livestock.
Strategies to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
- Biosecurity Measures: Implementing strict biosecurity protocols is crucial in reducing the need for antibiotics in livestock.
- Management Practices: Optimal management practices play a key role in ensuring animal health and reducing the reliance on antibiotics.
- Nutritional Strategies: Nutrition can enhance animal resilience and suppress symptoms, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics.
Nutritional Alternatives to Antibiotics
Nutritional interventions offer promising alternatives to antibiotics in livestock. Through the AVANT project, stakeholders have identified feeding strategies, probiotics, and immunostimulants as effective solutions to prevent post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets. In addition to biosecurity measures, common interventions used by European pig producers to reduce antibiotics include vaccination, feed additives, and pre-weaning feeding strategies, as depicted in Figure 3.
Leveraging Nutrition for Antibiotic Reduction
- Reducing Crude Protein: Lowering the crude protein content in feed has shown to reduce diarrhoea in piglets and improve gut health in broilers.
- Fermentable and Inert Fibres: Balancing the fibre content in feed, particularly inert fibres, can enhance digestion and reduce the risk of diarrhoea.
- Targeted Additives: Certain additives, such as organic acids and antimicrobial peptides, can serve as effective alternatives to antibiotics in livestock.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Practices
The reduction of antibiotic use in livestock production is a pressing global concern. By embracing nutritional alternatives and adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing crude protein, balancing fibre levels, and incorporating targeted additives, the industry can steer towards a more sustainable and antibiotic-responsible future.
As we navigate the journey towards antibiotic reduction in livestock, it’s essential for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and prioritise sustainable solutions. By leveraging the power of nutrition and implementing effective strategies, we can pave the way for a healthier, more resilient livestock industry in Australia.
For more insights on antibiotic reduction in livestock and sustainable practices, explore our Antibiotic Reduction Special 2023. Join us in the movement towards a more sustainable and antibiotic-conscious future for the livestock industry in Australia.
Authors:
Anouschka Middelkoop PhD and Albert van Dijk PhD, Schothorst Feed Research (SFR), the Netherlands
Discover more articles on Antibiotic Reduction Special 2023.
