Routine antibiotic use in livestock production is linked to antimicrobial resistance and masks welfare problems that would otherwise prompt management changes.
The link between antibiotic use and welfare is often overlooked: animals kept in overcrowded, stressful, or unsanitary conditions require antibiotics to survive. Restricting antibiotic use without improving underlying conditions causes animal suffering. Conversely, improving housing, density, and husbandry practices reduces disease pressure and antibiotic need — making welfare reform and antibiotic stewardship complementary goals.