Gestão de antimicrobianos em animais de produção e os reflexos na saúde pública

Abstract

Animal production is an essential activity within Brazilian agribusiness. To ensure productivity and competitiveness, the use of medications for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes is common practice. Among these, growth-promoting antibiotics stand out, applied at low doses to improve animal performance. However, their continuous use can facilitate the increase of resistant genes in bacterial populations, posing a risk to public health. As a result, there is growing interest in alternatives to antibiotic use, such as phytogenic additives, essential oils, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, organic acids, and enzymes. This study aims to review the most commonly used antibiotics in animal production, their regulations, risks to human health, and the main available substitutes. Phytogenics, extracted from medicinal plants and spices, inhibit pathogenic microorganisms and improve digestibility. Essential oils stimulate digestive enzymes, intestinal motility, and exhibit antimicrobial activity. Probiotics promote competitive exclusion of pathogens and strengthen the immune system. Prebiotics selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria. Organic acids, naturally present in plants and animals, have antimicrobial action in the gastrointestinal tract. Finally, exogenous enzymes assist endogenous ones in digestion, reducing energy expenditure. Several alternative additives show potential to replace antibiotic growth promoters, contributing to safer and more sustainable production.