Are producers ready for a “post-antibiotics” world?
To fully capture the advantages of new knowldge and options, the first step required is a change in mindset, says a leading researcher in this area, Dr. Anna Rogiewicz of the Univeristy of Manitoba.
“It’s human nature that we get used to doing things the same way,” she says. “But the same way doesn’t mean the best way. We can look at the new pressures around antibiotics use as a challenge or an opportunity – I think the opportunity viewpoint is much better. It gets us to take a fresh look at the newer options available and update to improved approaches.”
Moving from silver bullet
“It’s human nature that we get used to doing things the same way,” she says. “But the same way doesn’t mean the best way. We can look at the new pressures around antibiotics use as a challenge or an opportunity – I think the opportunity viewpoint is much better. It gets us to take a fresh look at the newer options available and update to improved approaches.”
That doesn’t mean replacing antibiotics, but rather making improvements so that the reliance on them or need for them becomes a lot less, says Rogiewicz. “What we’re really looking for is a combination of improved approaches that will reliably support a high level of animal and production benefits in RWA systems.”
Do we really need antibiotics?
“We are in an era of modern agriculture where we have many advantages,” says Rogiewicz. “Through genetics we have better animals. We have a much better understanding of nutrition. We know a lot more about best animal welfare practices. And feed technology is an area where through science we know have more options to get more benefits out of feed.
“This is just to name a few of the main areas of advancement. But the point is if we put together all the advantages we have today, we have to ask ‘Do we really need antibiotics?’ We probably do not except when there is a clear health situation.”
Feed technology a bright light
Options such as advanced nutrition strategies and innovative feed additives are offering new and more powerful ways to improve efficiency, productivity, performance, welfare and other keys to success. For example, modern feed additives are much improved from their predecessors, she says. “The options that are based on sound science are very sophisticated, reliable and proven technology.
“The nice thing about this type of bio-based option is that it is something consumers are comfortable with – yeast components are in the bread we eat everyday and lots of other foods,” says Rogiewicz. “Finding these types of ‘win-win’ options is a big part of our research focus.”
