Coop to Clinic? Antibiotic abuse in chickens risks creating future patients; growth promoters spark health concerns

Srinagar, Jan 23: The prevalent use of antibiotics and growth promoters in Kashmir’s chicken farming industry is raising alarm over potential antibiotic resistance among the birds.

Every year, J&K imports 4.40 crore day-old chicks worth Rs 110 crore.

Furthermore, eggs account for Rs 473 crore, poultry feed worth Rs 300 core, and broiler birds for Rs 390 crore.

Sources said some antibiotics are injected in chickens to accelerate growth and improve disease immunity among them.

They said there is no regulatory body or government intervention on the ground to keep a check on this practice.

Besides that, the majority of the poultry farms here are unhygienic, making the chickens more susceptible to infections.

A senior official from the Animal Husbandry Department confirmed the presence of antibiotic resistance among the birds.

He said that the growth promoters were being mixed in a feed for the growth of chicken.

“But these growth promoters are safe if taken care of properly and at the proper time,” he said.

The official emphasises that following specific protocols in chicken management, including temperature control and ventilation, ensures optimal results without the need for growth promoters.

Superintendent, Central Veterinary Hospital, Srinagar, Dr Syed Altaf Gilani told Greater Kashmir that antibiotics used in chicken farming undergo rigorous quality control tests, ensuring their safety for both the environment and human consumption.

He said that the current feed conversion ratio (FCR) stands at 1.4, meaning a broiler chicken consumes 1.4 kg of feed to achieve a live weight of 1 kg.

“To attain a live weight of 1.5 kilograms, the chicken consumes 2.2 kg of feed,” Dr Gilani said.

He clarified that these antibiotics were only used for treatment purposes and adhered to specific drug retrieval times, preventing any adverse effects.

Regarding the antibiotics used, Dr Gilani listed several safe antibiotics, including Amoxicillin, Levofloxacin, Androphloxacin, and the anti-mycoplasma medicine Tylosin.

He clarified that the banned substance Colistin Sulfate was not in use, adhering to the ban and emphasising that responsible practices were being followed.

“No growth promoters are used in chickens for accelerated growth. Farmers are aware regarding antibiotic use,” Dr Gilani said and emphasised that misuse by traders was a remote possibility.

He said that around 5 crore chickens were consumed annually in the region with approximately 50 percent produced locally and the remaining 50 percent sourced from outside.