The Impact of Antibiotic-Free Production

Since 1990, the sales of antibiotic-free foods have increased at a rate of 20% per year. Consumers continue to reach for foods that are advertised as “no antibiotics ever”, creating increasing pressure on the livestock industry to eliminate antibiotics from production.

As with every other consumer trend, the antibiotic-free (or ABF) production shift has had a unique influence on the industry. But what’s behind this shift, and what are some of its effects? And perhaps more importantly, how can you adapt your methods to meet consumers’ needs? Let’s take a look at these questions and some potential ways to address ABF challenges.

The Consumer Motivation

Although no current evidence shows antibiotic residues in meat having a negative impact on humans, there is still concern over the formation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (a concern even in the world of human antibiotic use). 

This issue has fueled the rise of ABF production, with 2/3rds of consumers saying they value seeing an “antibiotic-free” label on their meat products. But ABF production is not always an easy crossover to make.

[H2] Adapting to New Production Methods

When antibiotics are out of the question in production, how do you promote healthy livestock? In the case of poultry, antibiotic growth promoters (or AGPs) are being phased out in favor of other methods of supporting gut health, such as enzymes and amino acids. By fostering a healthy gut microbiome, poultry are better able to resist infection and maintain consistent growth.

Controlling environmental factors is increasingly important in ABF production, as disease and infection can visit flocks in a number of ways – via water supply, rodents, air filtration or even farm equipment. For effective ABF production, this translates to new protocols for cleanliness and environmental quality to foster healthier growing conditions.

How Bill Barr Can Help

Looking for feed additives or other products to support your ABF efforts? The Bill Barr team is here to partner with you. Contact us today to learn how you can streamline your antibiotic-free production.

RESOURCES

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1056617119302806
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323639#:~:text=%E2%80%9C%5BC%5Durrent%20evidence%20indicates,a%20potential%20risk%20to%20humans.
3. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/antibiotic-resistance.html#:~:text=and%20toxic%20alternatives.-,How%20can%20taking%20antibiotics%20contribute%20to%20antibiotic%20resistance%3F,and%20their%20mechanisms%20of%20resistance.
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnzogby/2021/02/11/antibiotic-free-labels-are-important-to-two-thirds-of-americans-when-buying-meat—and-data-to-back-up-claims-is-paramount-a-new-poll-shows/?sh=4203b7633c2b
5. https://www.poultryworld.net/Health/Articles/2018/3/Transition-to-antibiotic-free-production-264348E/
6. https://www.billbarr.com/contact/