Reducing antibiotic use on sheep farms at lambing time through best practice management, by improving nutrition and hygiene

Project Description

The global burden of antimicrobial resistant infections is growing and poses a serious threat to human and animal health. This project is further developing the research that changes in flock. 

Management, mainly through improved nutrition and hygiene, can reduce the need for antibiotics and at the same time increase production, while maintaining high standards of animal health and welfare. It also provides a safe and healthy food supply when there are concerns that food producing animals may contribute to the development of human antibiotic resistance.

There is potential for global targets to be put in place to reduce antibiotic use (per kg/animal weight) in treated livestock, to an agreed level for each country. There is also likely to be restrictions on usage in livestock of those antibiotics that are critically important for human health. Taking measures now to reduce antibiotic use will make it easier to manage when these targets are applied.

Project aims

• Promote responsible use of antibiotics to maintain the effectiveness of drugs and control costs.
• Increase farmer confidence in ration formulation and management practices, reducing prophylactic use of antibiotics at lambing time while maintaining and improving health and welfare.
• Improve nutrition and management practices in order to improve vigour, reduce mortality and reduce investment in finishing.
• Empower the next generation of farmers to adopt alternatives to the use of antibiotics, helping them become more resilient.

Reports, Videos and Articles:

(November 2018): Gareth Thomas, Tregynrig:

Report (July 2018): Interim Report

(March 2018): Jack Foulkes, Marchynys:

Technical Publication, Issue 19 (January / February 2018): Reducing antibiotic …

EIP Wales, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is part of the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme (CSCDS) delivering under Measure 16 (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) 1305/2013). The CSCDS is an important element of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The EIP delivers under sub Measure 16.1 of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020.