Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Stanimir ENCHEV, Radena NENOVA, Pencho PENCHEV, Yordanka ILIEVA
Sustainable production of high-quality animal and plant production for feeding the growing world population of consumers is a key challenge for the future industry. New animal farming methods are introduced, focusing on enhancing meat and milk quality and safety, in parallel taking into account welfare and preservation of natural environment. Selection conducted towards high growth rate results in breeds and hybrids characterized by fast growth but in the same time by delayed morphological and functional maturity and by an underdeveloped immune system. Antibiotics and other medicinal products are widely used, mainly to modify the digestive microbiota, to increase the productivity and growth of animals and to compensate for low immunological activity. The long-term use of these substances has led to the development of drug-resistant microorganisms, posing a threat to consumer health and having a negative impact on the environment. This review studies the ways of limiting the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry, alternative strategies to improve production and animal health - the use of probiotic, prebiotic and symbiotic preparations, as an effective treatment against pathogens.
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