The Role of Antibiotics in Modern Agriculture

Feb 20

4 min read

Antibiotics play a role in modern agriculture that is as important as it is misunderstood. They have transformed livestock health by treating bacterial infections, preventing disease outbreaks, and securing a stable food supply.

Without antibiotics, many common bacterial infections in animals would be tough—if not impossible—to manage. This would lead to greater animal suffering, lower productivity, and more expensive food.

While their benefits are undeniable, antibiotics must be used responsibly to maintain their efficacy over time.

Overuse or misuse contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria—this poses risks not only to animal health but also to human health.

As antibiotic resistance becomes a more controversial topic in agriculture, proper stewardship, monitoring, and ongoing research into alternatives will ensure these drugs remain an essential resource for veterinarians and farmers.

It is important to note that the facts and figures presented on antibiotic use on livestock appear alarmingly high. To put those figures into perspective, one cow weighs the equivalent of 100 human adults and antibiotics are prescribed based on weight. The higher the weight, the higher the prescribed amount.

Case Study: Antibiotics in Modern Agriculture

To underscore the benefits and uses of antibiotics in modern agriculture and dairy cattle veterinary medicine, consider an example from my own experience.

Recently I was called out to a farm to check on a cow that was having difficulty giving birth. The calf was breeched and the cow was exhausted. I examined her and determined she needed a C-section. I performed a C-section on a cow, saving her life as well as that of her calf. Following the C-section, the cow received antibiotics to prevent infection at the surgical site.

It’s no different from how we treat our pets. After surgery, doctors routinely prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections that could turn life-threatening. No one would expect to take their dog home from the veterinarian after a major surgery without proper medical care, and the same principle applies to livestock.

This is the reality of responsible antibiotic use—these medicines are not just about increasing production but about protecting animal welfare.

The Importance of Withdrawal Times in Food Safety

One of the most effective ways to ensure antibiotic use does not lead to health risks for consumers is through what’s known as withdrawal periods.

As the FDA explains, a withdrawal period refers to “the time from when the animal was last treated with the drug to when the animal can be slaughtered for food, or the animal’s milk or eggs can be sold and safely consumed by people.

Withdrawal periods give the animal’s body a chance to clear antibiotic residues according to strict food safety regulations. Antibiotics given once do not stay in the body for the life of that animal, and many studies must be completed on how long the antibiotic can be detected in the meat or milk before an antibiotic is allowed to be used in livestock.

Milk from cows receiving antibiotic treatments must be withheld from the food supply until the withdrawal period has passed. Depending on the antibiotic, this withdrawal period could be just a few days or up to a few weeks.

Dairy farms routinely test milk for antibiotic residues before it is processed and sold, making sure milk that reaches consumers meets strict safety standards.

Visit this article next to learn more about milk processing, from farm to table.

Antibiotic Stewardship: Benefits vs. Risks

Ultimately, the question is not whether antibiotics should be used in agriculture but how to ensure they are used responsibly. Antibiotic stewardship refers to the responsible management of antibiotics to maximize their benefits while minimizing the risk of resistance.

Experts in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and public health have outlined several strategies to achieve this balance:

VCPR and Prescriptions: Since 2017, all over-the-counter antibiotics require a prescription to ensure responsible use and help prevent antibiotic resistance. A veterinarian with an established Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) must prescribe the antibiotic. Additionally, antibiotics are not used for growth promotion or to increase milk production in dairy cows.
Surveillance and Data Collection: Better monitoring systems for tracking antibiotic use and resistance trends help us understand the problem's scope and make better policy decisions.
Standardized Usage Guidelines: Science-based guidelines are necessary to ensure antibiotics are used correctly and to restrict non-essential uses.
Research into Alternatives: Investing in alternatives—like vaccines, probiotics, and improved animal husbandry methods—can reduce our reliance on antibiotics without jeopardizing animal well-being.
Education and Training: Providing farmers, vets, and food producers with the right training and resources is essential for responsible antibiotic use and for understanding the risks of misuse. DairyKind has several training courses around antibiotic use, specifically one focused solely on the judicious use of antibiotics.

What’s Next?

The conversation around antibiotic use in agriculture should not be framed as a simple debate between use and elimination.

We know that antibiotics are an indispensable part of modern farming, and they play a valuable role in preventing suffering and maintaining food security.

Still, we must carefully manage antibiotics in modern agriculture to preserve their effectiveness for animals and humans.

The agricultural industry, veterinary professionals, policymakers, and researchers must keep collaborating to develop solutions that balance productivity, animal welfare, and human health.

With a thoughtful, science-driven approach, we can continue to protect both animal health and human medicine while ensuring the safety and sustainability of our food supply.