Strategies to Minimize the Impact of Antibiotic Resistance in Livestock Production System

Abstract

Antibiotics play an indispensable role in animal health, welfare and production management. They find their place as sub-therapeutic, prophylactic, metaphylactic and therapeutic agents for use in livestock sector. However, the possibility for transfer of antibiotics resistance genes among livestock through food chain and environment is probably a direct threat to public health. This review focuses on the prudential use of antibiotics and advocating various practices which can potentially minimize the usage of antibiotics in livestock production system. Adopting good husbandry practices (GHP), organic livestock production, manure management practices, regular testing of antibiotic residues in food of animal origins, using alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) are among the promising practices to minimize the need of antibiotics.This will eventually help in reducing contribution of livestock sector towards emergence of antibiotic resistance. Prophylactic alternatives (vaccines, immune modulators, phage therapy), therapeutic alternatives (selective dry cow therapy, supplementation of vitamins and minerals, ozone therapy, ethno veterinary practices, rare earth elements) and implementing good veterinary practices (GVP) can also support mankind‘s effort in combating antibiotic resistance. Finally, increasing consumer awareness and strengthening the regulatory control of antibiotic usage will definitely prove fruitful in containment of emerging problems associated with antibiotic resistance