November 30, 2010

Dutch research shows selection for quick growth causes animal disease

Dutch researchers have discovered that livestock animals chosen for quicker growth will be at the expense of natural immunity against diseases.

Ecophysiologists from Groningen University, the Netherlands, have published an article in the scientific journal, Functional Ecology, which states that the animal husbandry industry is unknowingly contributing to animal disease outbreaks and the demand for antibiotics.

Research Professor, Simon Verhulst said, "in the intensive livestock industry, diseases become a major problem, just like the need to treat animals with antibiotics frequently."

He added that, "massive usage of antibiotics will cause resistant antibiotics which makes it more difficult to treat people who suffer from the same pathogens."

The researchers made a survey of measuring the immune system among poultry that had been selected for growth for several generations. Virtually without any exception, it was shown that the selection for rapid growth was at the expense of the immune system's efficacy.

It is perceived that an adjusted breeding programme may increase animals' immunity. Experimental selection for a more active immune system did not come at the expense of animal growth.