Pros and Cons of using Antibiotics in Animal Feed

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Antibiotics have been utilized in animal feed for over six decades. According to a report at the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Delaware, there are both advantages and disadvantages to such a practice. These should be carefully weighed when making choices regarding the use of antibiotics in animal feed.
Cons
The major disadvantage of using antibiotics in animal feed is quite significant. It is literally capable of causing catastrophe not just for animals but for humans as well. The general problem is antibiotic resistance.
When animals are treated with antibiotics in animal feed, not all of the bacteria in them is susceptible to the medication. Some strains will be resistant to the antibiotics, and they will remain and grow within the animal. The bacteria may not stay limited to the one animal but can instead travel to other animals. Even more significant, the bacteria can travel to humans.
There are many opportunities that the bacteria can use to spread to people. It may be present in the feces of the animals that can end up on the hands of workers. If one eats meat containing this bacteria, then the person may be susceptible. After one person becomes infected, others may as well. Unfortunately, this bacteria will be resistant to antibiotics.
This drug-resistant bacteria can intermingle with other drug-resistant bacteria. Researchers’ great fear is that they will combine to form a supergerm that travels easily from person to person and which is resistant to many types of antibiotics. This could literally cause a health crisis.
Pros
Treating sick animals
Sick animals may be treated with antibiotics in animal feed. This can get them healthier sooner and allow them to be utilized. Without antibiotics, these clinically sick animals may not get better.
Reduce the risk of infections
Many animals utilized in farming practices are kept in close quarters. Infectious diseases can therefore spread extremely quickly. One infection can ravage an entire group of animals. Antibiotics in animal feed can help prevent this infection.
Increased efficiency
Certain antibiotics can help animals be more efficient. For instance, chickens who received tetracycline and penicillin lay more eggs than those without these antibiotics. Feed efficiency and hatchability are also improved. Growth rate may be increased.
Money savings
The above advantages all generally lead to one thing: increased profits. With more eggs to sell, farmers make more money. With healthier animals, they lose less. The use of antibiotics in animal feed generally is done for increase productivity and growth in an effort to increase profitability.
There are various pros and cons to using antibiotics in animal feed. Although the financial pros are tempting, one must understand the potential for catastrophe when it comes to drug-resistant bacteria. Those who raise animals and the government officials who regulate them should carefully evaluate these decisions.