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Review
. 2018 Jun;4(2):170-178.
doi: 10.1016/j.aninu.2018.03.002. Epub 2018 Apr 3.

Use of antibiotics in broiler production: Global impacts and alternatives

Youcef Mehdi  1   2 , Marie-Pierre Létourneau-Montminy  1 , Marie-Lou Gaucher  3 , Younes Chorfi  3 , Gayatri Suresh  4 , Tarek Rouissi  4 , Satinder Kaur Brar  4 , Caroline Côté  2 , Antonio Avalos Ramirez  5 , Stéphane Godbout  2
Affiliations
Review

Use of antibiotics in broiler production: Global impacts and alternatives

Youcef Mehdi et al. Anim Nutr. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections. However, a selective pressure gave rise to bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This leaves scientists worried about the danger to human and animal health. Some strategies can be borrowed to reduce the use of antibiotics in chicken farms. Much research has been carried out to look for natural agents with similar beneficial effects of growth promoters. The aim of these alternatives is to maintain a low mortality rate, a good level of animal yield while preserving environment and consumer health. Among these, the most popular are probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, organic acids, immunostimulants, bacteriocins, bacteriophages, phytogenic feed additives, phytoncides, nanoparticles and essential oils.

Keywords: Antibiotic; Broiler chicken; Enzyme; Essential oil; Prebiotic; Probiotic.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Quantity of antimicrobials (% of total weight in kg) distributed for veterinary use by route of administration in Canada (CSCRA, 2016).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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