Growth Promoting Antibiotics

♤ The use of antibiotics has become common in the livestock production around the world. Antibiotics increase the efficiency of animal growth by inhibiting the growth of microbes which triggers immune response.

♤ However, there is much concern regarding the indiscriminate use of antibiotics which could lead to resistance associated even in humans.

♤ Resistance to antibiotics is a major problem that can undo the beneficial effects of antibiotics.

♤ Remedial Measures

o Use of friendly bacteria: Scientists are looking for non-antibiotic growth promoters like feed bacteria. Bacteria used for this purpose are known as probiotics.

o Safe antibiotics like Flavophospholipol etc. can be a better alternative for growth of animals which don’t lead to antibiotic resistance.

o Governments can ban the use of antibiotics for animal growth.