Antibiotic Free Poultry Production-Focus on Antimicrobial Resistance, Challenges, and Alternatives

Abstract

Antibiotics play a huge role in poultry production as they are used to treat clinical diseases, to prevent and control common diseases and to enhance animal growth. However, misuse of antibiotics over time has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans. Therefore, antibiotic free production of poultry has been on an increase in line with consumers’ preference for the same. However, a ban on antibiotics places a heavy burden on disease control and production costs of poultry. It also creates a need for alternatives whereby major companies have developed products like probiotics and essential oils in order to reduce the need for antibiotics in poultry production. The aim of this review is to highlight the journey towards antibiotic-free poultry production, role of antibiotics in the development of resistance, challenges encountered and alternatives used in antibiotic free production. In conclusion, this article recommends that antibiotics should not be completely banned due to poultry welfare issues. However, antibiotics should be used by trained personnel to only treat and control diseases.