Hops extract may be an alternative to antibiotics in chicken farming

Content available at: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) A study carried out at the University of São Paulo (USP) indicates that it […]

Content available at:

A study carried out at the University of São Paulo (USP) indicates that it is possible to replace the antibiotics used as growth promoters in raising chickens with hops extract, a plant with antioxidant properties used in the manufacture of beer. Details of the work were published in the journal Processes.

A typical procedure among chicken breeders is the incorporation of antibiotics in the birds’ diet so that they develop faster and have a lower risk of getting sick without compromising the meat quality or reducing the number of animals suitable for meat.

However, traces of antibiotics may remain in the body of birds after slaughter and be ingested by consumers, contributing to the emergence of resistant bacteria. In addition, drug residues can also become a barrier when chickens are exported, which undergo rigorous health analyses in the country of destination, which assesses whether the food meets local standards.