Antibiotic-free farming for poultry meat production: impact on animal welfare

Abstract

Abstract Background Multidrug-resistant zoonotic pathogens represent a risk for human health. The irrational use of antibiotics in production animals has contributed to the spread of antibiotic resistance (AMR) also in humans. The search for alternative systems to the use of antibiotics, including the study of ‘animal welfare-friendly' management tools, should be encouraged. The reduction of the use of antibiotics should be a controlled process, as their absence could have a negative impact on animal welfare, if not accompanied by adequate structural and managerial interventions. Methods Welfare Quality® protocol was used to measure the level of welfare in 14 batches of broiler chickens from 6 farms of an integrated poultry company and the results were compared (antibiotic-free vs conventional). The number of animals per batch ranged from 9,000 to 41,700. Assessments were made throughout a 9-month period, from 2018 to 2019, at-farm the day before slaughtering (age from 42 to 48 days old). Results No statistically significant differences between antibiotic-free and conventional in the general ‘welfare score' were reported. Stocking density was higher in antibiotic-free batches, and the ‘good feeding' principle was averagely higher in conventional batches (74.7 vs 63), with statistical significance (t=-2.45; p < 0.05). Other welfare principles (good housing, good health and appropriate behaviour) were slightly higher for antibiotic-free batches, without statistical significance. The absence of antibiotics did not affect the ‘good health' principle, ranging from 24.1 to 44.7, with the minimum in a conventional batch and the maximum detected in an antibiotic-free batch. The highest mortality (3.9%) was found in a conventional batch. Conclusions The absence of antibiotics in broiler farming doesn't affect animal health and welfare if associated with good management practices. Antibiotic-free farming should be standardized in order to protect both animal welfare and consumers' health. Key messages The absence of antibiotic use does not impact on broiler chicken general welfare score. High stocking density due to the high demand of antibiotic-free meat should be avoided and specific guidelines for antibiotic-free farming should be produced.