Recently The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conducted a study on global antibiotic use in livestock.

• The study, published in Nature Communications titled as  Future of Antibiotic Use in Livestock,  highlights the projected increase in antibiotic use in livestock by 2040.
  

Key Highlights of the Future of Antibiotic Use in Livestock

• Projected Increase in Antibiotic Use
  • Global antibiotic use in livestock (AMUQ) was around 110,777 tons in 2019.
  • Without intervention, this is expected to rise by 30% to 143,481 tons by 2040.
• Potential Reduction Through Livestock Productivity Gains
  • Improving animal health, management practices, and production efficiency could reduce antibiotic use by up to 57% (to 62,000 tons) by 2040.
  • Even moderate reductions in antibiotic use intensity (AMUI) can significantly offset AMUQ increases.
  • The most significant reductions occur when AMUI is cut by 50% and livestock biomass is reduced.
• Regional Contributions to Global Antibiotic Use
  • Asia and the Pacific: Expected to remain the largest contributor (64.6% of global AMUQ).
  • South America: Contributes 19%.
  • Africa: Accounts for 5.7%.
  • North America: Contributes 5.5%.
  • Europe: Makes up 5.2% of global antibiotic use.
• Challenges in Achieving Global Reduction Targets
• • Many regions, particularly those with growing livestock industries, face challenges in reducing antibiotic use while meeting rising food demand.
  • Simply reducing livestock numbers has limited impact on overall antibiotic use.
    

About RENOFARM Initiative

• FAO launched the ‘Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation’ (RENOFARM) initiative.
• Objectives:
• • Provide policy guidance for reducing antibiotic use in livestock.
  • Offer technical assistance to improve livestock management.
  • Support capacity-building to help countries transition to sustainable agrifood systems.
• The initiative aligns with global efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote food security.
  • Governments worldwide have pledged to reduce antimicrobial use in agrifood systems under the 2024 UN General Assembly Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Declaration.

Why Are Antibiotics Used in Livestock?

• Antibiotics are most often given in the feed to help prevent infections or stress-related diseases and to treat bacterial infections in animals.
• To promote growth and improve feed efficiency in intensive farming.

Implications of Excessive Antibiotic Use

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Overuse leads to resistant bacteria, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics in human and animal health.
  • For Example, the indiscriminate use of colistin in livestock farming and aquaculture settings has resulted in a hotspot of colistin resistant bacteria.
• Environmental Impact: Antibiotic residues enter water and soil, affecting ecosystems.
• Food Safety Risks: Drug-resistant bacteria can enter the food chain, posing health risks to consumers.
• Global Health Threat: AMR could lead to more severe and untreatable infections in humans.
  

Solutions to Reduce Antibiotic Dependence in Livestock

• Enhancing livestock productivity through improved animal health and management.
• Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use while maintaining food production.
• Encouraging global cooperation through initiatives like RENOFARM and the UN AMR Declaration.
• Investing in research on alternative treatments, vaccines, and sustainable farming practices.

Status of Livestock in India

• Livestock Population: There are about 303.76 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun and yak), 74.26 million sheep, 148.88 million goats, 9.06 million pigs and about 851.81 million poultry as per 20th Livestock Census in the country.
• Contribution in Economy: The livestock sector contributed 4.90 per cent of total GVA in 2020-21.

Government Initiatives in Livestock Sector

• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF): It aims to support private sector investment in building infrastructure for processing, cold chain, and value addition in the animal husbandry sector.
• National Livestock Mission (NLM): The focus of the scheme is towards employment generation, entrepreneurship development; increase in per animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk, egg and wool.
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: It has been initiated by the Government with focus on development and conservation of indigenous breeds and genetic upgradation of bovine population.
• Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme(LHDCP): It is implemented to address livestock diseases and enhance veterinary healthcare infrastructure. 
• Bharat Pashudhan Livestock Data Stack: A digital platform for real-time livestock data collection and management to enhance productivity and traceability in the livestock sector.
• Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) For Dairy Farmers of Milk Cooperatives and Milk Producer Companies: 
• As on 15.11.2024, more than 41.66 lakh fresh KCCs were sanctioned for AHD Farmers.
• National Mission on Bovine Productivity: A scheme to improve the productivity of indigenous cattle and buffaloes through genetic improvement, nutrition, and health initiatives.
• National Artificial Insemination Programme:  A nationwide initiative to boost artificial insemination coverage for bovines, ensuring genetic enhancement and better milk yield.