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Antibiotics in feed, with special reference to pigs: a veterinary viewpoint
1Scottish Agricultural College, Veterinary Services, Mill of Craibstone, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9TS, UK.
Animal Feed Science and Technology
|April 15, 2020
Summary
Antibiotics in animal feed are used for disease prevention and to promote growth in pigs. Current UK and European Community regulations ensure food safety when these practices adhere to established rules.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine and Public Health
- Food Safety Regulations
- Animal Husbandry Practices
Background:
- Review of UK legislation and European Community legal status concerning antibiotic use in animal feed.
- Examination of the rationale behind incorporating antibiotics into animal feed for disease control and growth promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline and discuss the reasons for using antibiotics in animal feed.
- To summarize current UK and European Community legislation regarding antibiotic feed additives.
- To address public concerns regarding the safety of food products derived from animals treated with antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical UK legislation and current UK/European Community legal frameworks.
- Analysis of the scientific and economic justifications for antibiotic use in animal feed.
- Evaluation of public perception versus scientific understanding of antibiotic use in food production.
Main Results:
- Antibiotics are necessary for disease prevention in large herds where mass injection is impractical.
- Continuous low-level antibiotic feeding (growth promoters) enhances pig growth, efficiency, and welfare by suppressing harmful bacteria.
- Public fears regarding food safety are largely based on misconceptions and misunderstandings.
- Legal requirements for prescription-only medicines are outlined.
- Food and milk remain safe if safety regulations are followed.
Conclusions:
- The use of antibiotics in animal feed is justified for disease control and efficient food production.
- Current regulations are adequate to ensure the safety of food products.
- Public understanding of antibiotic use in agriculture needs improvement to alleviate unfounded fears.
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