Sustainable Antibiotic-Free Broiler Meat Production: Current Trends, Challenges, and Possibilities in a Developing Country Perspective
by
, , , , , ,
Md. Hakimul Haque
1,*
,
Subir Sarker
2,*,
Md. Shariful Islam
1,
Md. Aminul Islam
3,
Md. Rezaul Karim
4,
Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
5,
Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
6 and 
M. Sawkat Anwer
7 1
Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
2
Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
3
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
4
Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh
5
Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
6
School of Environment and Science (ESC), and Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, QLD 4111, Australia
7
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biology 2020, 9(11), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology9110411
Submission received: 16 October 2020
/
Revised: 13 November 2020
/
Accepted: 19 November 2020
/
Published: 23 November 2020
Simple Summary
Chickens are raised with the assistance of the regular use of antibiotics, not only for the prevention and treatment of diseases but, also, for body growth. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animals are contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, antibiotic-free broiler meat production is becoming increasingly popular worldwide to meet consumer demand. However, numerous challenges need to be overcome in producing antibiotic-free broiler meat by adopting suitable strategies regarding food safety and chicken welfare issues. This review focuses on the current scenario of antibiotic use, prospects, and challenges in sustainable antibiotic-free broiler meat production. We also discuss the needs and challenges of antibiotic alternatives and provide a future perspective on antibiotic-free broiler meat production.
Abstract
Antibiotic-free broiler meat production is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to consumer perception that it is superior to conventional broiler meat. Globally, broiler farming impacts the income generation of low-income households, helping to alleviate poverty and secure food in the countryside and in semi-municipal societies. For decades, antibiotics have been utilized in the poultry industry to prevent and treat diseases and promote growth. This practice contributes to the development of drug-resistant bacteria in livestock, including poultry, and humans through the food chain, posing a global public health threat. Additionally, consumer demand for antibiotic-free broiler meat is increasing. However, there are many challenges that need to be overcome by adopting suitable strategies to produce antibiotic-free broiler meat with regards to food safety and chicken welfare issues. Herein, we focus on the importance and current scenario of antibiotic use, prospects, and challenges in the production of sustainable antibiotic-free broiler meat, emphasizing broiler farming in the context of Bangladesh. Moreover, we also discuss the need for and challenges of antibiotic alternatives and provide a future outlook for antibiotic-free broiler meat production.
