Symptomatic Exclusive Overview on the Sustainability of Antibiotic-Free Poultry Production

G.T. Mangweni; T. Teele

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2025/v53n2a14264

Authors

G.T. Mangweni Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1006-2988
T. Teele Central University of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5267-7652

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2025/v53n2a14264

Keywords:

Broilers, Antibiotics, Antibiotic-free chicken, Sustainable Poultry Production

Abstract

Broiler chickens in the commercial setting are raised with antibiotics regularly, not only for disease prevention and treatment but also for body growth. The prevention and treatment of bacterial infections is critical to intensive poultry production. Antibiotics are natural, manufactured, or semi-synthetic compounds that inhibit or kill microorganisms. Primarily bacteria, they treat and prevent infections in humans and animals. Antibiotic use in poultry production has a cost; it contributes to an increase in drug-resistant infections in broiler chickens, which can be passed to humans and have a severe influence on human health. The usage of antibiotics in animal feed production has led to the current global discourse, making broiler feeds a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic overuse and misuse in poultry production are contributing to the rise of antibiotic resistance. WHO (2018) stated that correct doses of antibiotics in poultry production can help minimise antibiotic resistance. As a result, antibiotic-free broiler meat production is growing in popularity worldwide to meet consumer demand. Antibiotic-free poultry production is suitable for long-term sustainability because no antibiotics are used during the life cycle of the birds raised on the farm for human consumption. However, various obstacles must be overcome in producing antibiotic-free broiler meat by implementing appropriate food safety and poultry welfare techniques. This review finds that antibiotic reduction also aligns with the concept of sustainable broiler production. Consequently, non-antibiotic additive alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, acidifiers, essential oils, phytobiotics, enzymes, and whole grains in the feed are strategies that can be used to achieve antibiotic-free poultry production. Fundamental best practices are helpful to bird health and welfare and flock productivity at all stages of poultry production.

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