Agronomy and Horticulture Department
Date of this Version
2009
Citation
The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved
Abstract
Introduction
Antibiotic1 use in animal production has led to improved feed use efficiency and increased growth rates. In turn, these resulted in reduced food production costs and reduced excrement of manure nutrients which may cause pollution problems.
On the other hand, antibiotic use leads to antibiotic resistance and a possible reduction in effectiveness of treatment options for both animals and humans. This publication addresses these issues.
Disease-causing microorganisms2, including bacteria,are the most diverse and numerous organisms on earth. Diverse in their habitat, environmental adaptation, and mechanisms of reproduction, they have short generations with high multiplication rates. Such characteristics help develop antibiotic resistance. Resistance has developed to antibiotics used for human treatment but very limited evidence is shown for development of antibiotic resistance because of its use in animal production.
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