Intensive Farming

Livestock Antibiotic-Free Production Welfare

Antibiotic-free livestock production systems have demonstrated that better welfare and reduced antibiotic use can be achieved simultaneously.

Key Facts

Denmark reduced pig antibiotic use by over 50% while maintaining productivity
UK poultry sector has reduced antibiotic use by over 80% since 2012
Welfare improvement is a key driver of disease reduction enabling antibiotic reduction
Higher welfare systems show lower disease incidence requiring less treatment

Welfare Considerations

Operations that have successfully reduced antibiotic use have typically done so by improving welfare conditions that reduce disease susceptibility. Lower stocking densities, better enrichment, improved ventilation, and proactive health management reduce the disease burden that drives antibiotic use. The welfare-antibiotic nexus creates aligned incentives: improving welfare reduces disease reducing antibiotic need improving public health.

What You Can Do

Support operations committed to antibiotic reduction through welfare improvement
Advocate for welfare-based antibiotic stewardship programs
Choose products from farms with demonstrated low antibiotic use and high welfare
Back research into welfare management reducing antibiotic dependence