he global burden of antimicrobial resistant infections is growing at an alarming pace and poses a serious threat to human and animal health. 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 onusage 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. This project will look to provide a best practice model to minimise the use of antibiotics during lambing while also improving lifetime performance and longevity, animal health and welfare and subsequent farm profitability.

A report will be produced with contributions from the contractors and analysis of laboratory results combining the lessons learned on all farms involved and highlighting what worked well.

Project aims:

1) Promote responsible use of antibiotics to maintain the effectiveness of drugs and control costs.

2) Increase farmer confidence in ration formulation and management practices, reducing prophylactic use of antibiotics at lambing time while maintaining and improving health and welfare.

3) Improve nutrition and management practices in order to improve vigour, reduce mortality and reduce investment in finishing.

4) Empower the next generation of farmers to adopt alternatives to the use of antibiotics, helping them become more resilient.