Reducing antibiotic use in cattle farming has welfare implications. Understanding the relationship between stewardship and welfare helps align both goals.
Antibiotic stewardship and animal welfare are more aligned than conflicting when implemented thoughtfully. The root cause of high antibiotic use in cattle is often poor welfare - overcrowded, poorly ventilated, or nutritionally stressed animals get sick more often. Addressing the welfare factors that drive disease reduces antibiotic need. However, poorly implemented restrictions that reduce treatment of genuinely sick animals without addressing the underlying causes of disease can harm welfare. The policy goal should be reducing disease incidence through welfare improvement, enabling reduced antibiotic use as a consequence.