Food & Climate
A new study finds that strategic productivity gains could cut projected global livestock antibiotic use by half.
The study led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and research partners highlights that improving livestock productivity is key to achieving substantial reductions in global antibiotic use, according to the statement that “Food & Climate” platform received.
Without targeted interventions, antibiotic use in livestock is projected to rise. However, the new research, published in Nature Communications, finds that strategic productivity gains in livestock systems could cut antibiotic use.
This study projects global livestock antibiotic use quantities through 2040 under various scenarios. This work indicates that under a business-as-usual scenario, global livestock antibiotic use could reach 143,481 tons by 2040, representing a 29.5% increase from the 2019 baseline of 110,777 tons.
Alternative scenarios
Alternative scenarios suggest that these projections of global livestock antibiotic use could vary by +14.2% to -56.8%, depending on changes in livestock biomass and antibiotic use intensity, according to the study.
A key contribution of this research is the development of the Livestock Biomass Conversion method, a novel indicator offering improved accuracy in estimating livestock biomass. The findings have important policy implications, highlighting that meaningful reductions in antibiotic use quantity can only be achieved through coordinated efforts targeting both antibiotic use intensity and livestock biomass.
The study projects that, under a business-as-usual scenario, global livestock antibiotic use could rise to 143,481 tons by 2040, an overall increase of 30% from 2019. However, alternative scenarios indicate that antibiotic use could be reduced by up to 57% if livestock productivity is optimized. By improving animal health, management practices, and production efficiency, antibiotic use could be lowered to approximately 62,000 tons by 2040, demonstrating the potential of targeted interventions in achieving global reduction goals.
“Enhancing livestock production efficiency is key to curbing antibiotic use,” said Alejandro Acosta, Livestock Economist at FAO and lead author of the study. “By producing more animal-sourced food with the same or fewer animals, we can reduce the need for antibiotics on farmed animals while strengthening global food security.”
This message underscores global commitments to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The 2024 UN General Assembly AMR Declaration calls for a significant reduction in antimicrobial use in agrifood systems.
Governments worldwide have endorsed the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declaration, committing to a significant reduction in the global quantity of antimicrobials use (AMU) in the agrifood system by 2030.
Furthermore, 47 countries have pledged to decrease AMU in agrifood systems by 30-50% by 2030, as outlined in the Muscat Manifesto. Achieving this ambitious target presents significant challenges, particularly in regions where livestock biomass (LBIO) is projected to increase driven by population growth and rising incomes. Understanding the various scenarios under which this goal can be achieved is crucial for shaping effective policy measures and guiding global efforts.
Improve disease prevention
“Stakeholders across the livestock sector must work together to improve disease prevention, strengthen monitoring systems, and invest in innovations that enhance animal health while reducing reliance on antibiotics” emphasized Junxia Song, Senior Animal Health Officer at FAO and co-author of the study.
In support of these efforts, FAO recently launched the “Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation” (RENOFARM) initiative. This program provides policy guidance, technical assistance, and capacity-building to help countries curtail antibiotic use while promoting sustainable livestock transformation.
“FAO is committed to transforming agrifood systems by reducing the need for antimicrobials, as the RENOFARM does, thereby promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding public health,” said Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director-General and Director of FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division.
A key contribution of the study is the introduction of the Livestock Biomass Conversion (LBC) method, which improves accuracy in estimating livestock biomass across different species, production systems, and management practices. This allows for a more precise estimation of antibiotic use intensity, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to develop more effective strategies to optimize livestock production and minimize reliance on antibiotics.