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Antibiotic reduction is a major topic in the livestock sector and the pressure is on to reduce their use. This special section focuses on measures that could be taken to reduce and eventually move away from antibiotic use in the livestock sector.
Focus on egg laying rate, egg quality, prevention of salpingitis, immunity, anti-stress and overall health
Based on these results, supplementation with probiotics, bacillus subtilius in diets for weaned pigs can improve gut health, decrease diarrhoea incidences, and improve the performance of weaned pigs similar to the levels achieved with antibiotics. Reducing dietary crude protein may act synergistically with probiotics to further improve gut health, pig performance and reduce nitrogen excretion. Therefore, a holistic approach of combining low CP diets, probiotics and fermentable fibres should be considered as part of an antibiotic growth promoter-free gut health concept towards more sustainable pig production.
In the future, a new class of feed probiotics can be created based on these bacteria, the scientists said, adding that the new products could bring great benefits to livestock farmers.
It is a misconception that there is just one strategy or feed additive that can be considered to be the only true alternative to high ZnO dosages or AGPs. Many products containing diverse active components such as essential oils, pre- and probiotics, organic acids and others, alone or in combination are recommended. Their use requires as prerequisites general management measures such as hygiene and stress reduction, and dietary adjustments such as a balanced supply of fibre, the use of highly digestible protein sources and the avoidance of protein oversupply.
Feed cost accounts for 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production. Feed efficiency is instrumental in ensuring profits and performance. As the use of antibiotics in feed becomes increasingly restricted, producers must start examining other options to optimize production, while ensuring the health of their flocks. Production views have shifted from treatment to prevention, and probiotics are being considered as an important supplement to animal feed. Probiotics work to boost the immune system so birds are less susceptible to effects from harmful pathogens, while also maintaining a healthy gut.