As the consumer demands less input of antibiotics in livestock, there is a growing concern to livestock health and the protection of the growers and integrators investment. What are the alternatives?

1. Antibiotics VS Disinfectants VS Genetics
Depending on the type of production all 3 are commonly used in today’s livestock production. Although
an antibiotic free production would not use antibiotics of course, especially an organic operation.
Genetics seem to be widely used whether you realize it or not. Though this is a matter of another article
we will save for later. But it seems that the most common denominator to help prevent the spread of
infectious diseases, viruses and bacteria is the use of some type of disinfectant.
Consumer Demand & Livestock health, finding a balance
As the consumer demands less input of antibiotics in livestock, there is a growing concern to livestock
health and the protection of the growers and integrators investment. Without antibiotics animals are
more susceptible to disease, viruses and other pathogens that can cause the mortality rate of the
livestock to skyrocket at a seemingly unstoppable rate. So what are the options?
Research and development farms are continually improving the breeding stock of multiple breeds of
livestock. From breeds that are more resistant to certain types of disease or conditions caused by the
environmental surroundings of the livestock housing facilities, to breeds that will convert feed at a
higher rate in order to take full advantage of the nutrients found in that feed. Both can help to increase
the integrators and the growers ROI and produce a quality product for the end consumer.
Even though creating stronger breeding stock seems to be a viable solution to the reduction of
antibiotics and still being able to produce a product that is economical for the consumer’s demands, it
still is not without its own challenges; especially in the mind of the uninformed consumer. This form of
genetic manipulation is misunderstood, and thus has received public criticism from certain uninformed
groups.
So, are there economical and practical alternatives?
So, where can an industry that is under an extreme amount of criticism from a uniformed public, gain
ground when it comes to protecting its investment against infectious diseases and pathogens while
trying to give the consumer what it demands? If you reduce one area of fighting disease, it only makes
sense to strengthen efforts somewhere else, but where? By reducing the amount of pathogens in the
housing facilities and the livestock farm it’s self.
Infectious diseases are the largest cause of financial loss to a livestock producer there is. From bacterial
to virucidal, from AI to coccidiosis all conditions that have been treated or prevented through the
administering of vaccinations or antibiotics. So if this type of treatment is eliminated where do
producers turn to protect the health of the livestock? It has to be in prevention. This prevention is in an
increased proactive approach to biosecurity.
But, what is biosecurity? It is procedures intended to protect humans or animals against
disease or harmful biological agents. So how do we protect livestock against biosecurity threats?

2. First of all, we need to establish a specific plan or biosecurity protocol for all areas of live production at
the farm level. All areas are included, a barn (or live housing facility) protocol, an equipment protocol, a
vehicle protocol and an entrance protocol. These protocols may include more of the previously
mentioned, and all the protocols make up a biosecurity plan.
All these protocols have a common denominator, they all include a way to kill, destroy or contain
potential biosecurity threats, usually through the use of an antimicrobial product or disinfectant. The
best disinfectants are ones that can safely be handled, safely dispensed, and safe for the environment.
The proactive use of disinfectants and the equipment used to dispense them can help offset the non-use
of antibiotics as effectively as any improved breed stock.
Of course to have an effective biosecurity plan, everyone involved or visiting the farm for any reason
needs to be completely aware of the plan and always follow it according to procedure. Even the best can
be compromised if just one person fails to follow even part of it.
Keep a look out for the next article on Establishing A Biosecurity Protocol and the tools available to help.
By
Kent Schrum