Alternatives to the Use of Antibiotics in Animal Production

Abstract

There is a growing demand for livestock products and by-products due to an increase in the human population globally. Farmers utilize feed additives and antibiotics to enhance growth and alleviate diseases to meet this increasing demand for meat and meat products. Although antibiotic use as growth promoters (AGPs) in the livestock industry has brought about a positive increase in production, the industry has also been negatively affected by the development of bacteria resistant to antibiotics and the presence of chemical residues in meat and excreta. Due to this, concerns have risen as this poses a health risk. Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans by consuming meat from antibiotic-fed animals or environmental spread from animal wastes. Therefore, action is required to curb this issue because it is estimated that the annual losses in GDP and death toll globally could increase because of the continuous use of antibiotics in livestock production. Hence, this review aims to examine natural alternatives that have the potential to replace antibiotics for food safety, health, and environmental reasons. These could bring a satisfactory impact on nutrient absorption for growth together with health-stimulating virtues.