[Current animal feeds with antimicrobial activity]

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition and Feed Additives
• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Food Safety

Context:

• Antibiotics and chemotherapeutics are widely used as growth promoters in animal husbandry.
• Concerns exist regarding residual levels of these agents in animal products and the potential for antimicrobial resistance.
• Regulatory bodies are increasingly emphasizing the use of non-therapeutic agents to mitigate these risks.

Purpose:

• To review and categorize various antibiotic and chemotherapeutic feed additives used in animal nutrition.
• To highlight the characteristics and safety considerations of these substances, particularly regarding residue levels and microbial resistance.
• To provide an overview of specific compounds, including their trade names, applications, and target organisms.

Summary:

• The abstract details various nutritive and ergotropic substances, primarily antibiotics and chemotherapeutics, used for promoting growth and improving fodder utilization in farm animals.
• It emphasizes the importance of using agents that do not leave residues in food products, do not induce microbial resistance, and are safe for animal consumption.
• Specific examples of nutritive antibiotics (e.g., flavophospholipol, avoparcin, virginiamycin) and chemotherapeutics (e.g., nitrovin, carbadox, olaquindox) are listed, along with polyether ionophoric antibiotics, noting their properties and applications.

Impact:

• Informs the selection of safe and effective feed additives for animal production, contributing to food safety.
• Guides the development of regulations and best practices for antimicrobial use in livestock to combat resistance.
• Provides a comprehensive reference for veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and researchers on available growth-promoting agents.