What are the Conditions of Subtherapeutic Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture?

Antibiotics have been in use since the 1950’s. They have been used as components of animal feed for over half of this time, ever since they were discovered to act as growth promoters three decades ago. Not only have they been used for years, use is very common. Currently, ~80% of poultry, 75% pigs, 60% cattle raised for beef, and 75% of dairy cattle in the United States are fed antibiotics for a period of time during their life. Almost 50% of all antibiotics produced are used in animal feed.

Subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in animal feed is an integral part of the modern factory farm, and the modern factory farm is a direct response to high consumer demand for meat. It is important to note that antibiotics are a routine part of many animal feeds and do not require veterinary prescription. Furthermore, many antibiotics are available for therapeutic use without prescription.

There are many unavoidable stresses on the animal in any type of farming, and factory farming adds the new threat of rapid disease transmission within large, closely housed groups of animals. Maintenance of animal health is facilitated by low doses of antibiotics and has the added benefits of increased feed efficiency, lower mortality rates, and rapid gains in body weight.

Is There an Alternative to Using Antibiotics in Feed?


An alternative to current feed practices exists. Improved animal care, including lower population densities, proper hygiene, and increased human contact allow the animals to enjoy a less stressful life. Stress wears down the animals' defensive mechanisms, their immune systems, and allows the pathogens to take hold. Under such conditions, the animals expend energy on fighting disease rather than growth. When animals are raised in a less stressful environment, the need for subtherapeutic antibiotic treatment is alleviated. Not only would improved animal care reduce the potential threat of resistant strains, but also recoup the initial productivity losses associated with the discontinuation of subtherapeutic antibiotic treatment.

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