Natural Plant Supplements to Replace Livestock Antibiotics?

Canadian Government Funds Research Development

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

With the government’s support of more than $101,000 in funding, Prairie Plant Systems will be able to develop innovative solutions for replacing antibiotics in livestock feed with plant supplements. Some of the initial research has showed that some plants such as mustard seed have special properties that may be comparable to antibiotics.

Research into alternative options for antibiotics is important especially since other research has discovered that the use of antibiotics in feedstock is beneficial. The development of alternative feed options that provide similar results to the use of antibiotics could improve animal health and result in producer cost savings. If the research proves to be successful, this could also make way for other opportunities for farmers to diversify their crops – planting added rotational crops that have proven health benefits for antibiotic feed alternatives.

"This is the first step in finding alternatives to the use of antibiotics in animal feed," said Brent Zettl, CEO of Prairie Plant Systems. "The long-term goal of our research can have benefits for farmers and consumers alike."

The funding was made possible under the Agriculture Innovation Program which is a part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.