Gut development and health in the absence of antibiotic growth promoters

Abstract

Acceptance of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in agricultural animal production is rapidly disappearing. Both government regulations and consumer preference are driving this change. Producers in any country that seek export markets will be forced to give up AGP if they are to sell to the EU and many other markets. This report will first review the history of AGP use in the animal industry and the concerns about development of antimicrobial resistance. A description of the development and structure of the gut and how it is affected by AGP administration will conclude with results of studies to replace AGP with antimicrobial organic acids.