January 27, 2004

Natural Herbs Could Replace Antibiotics As Growth Promoters

With the EU prohibiting the use of antibiotics and steroids as growth promoters in animal feed in two years time, the search is on for an adequate replacement.

Biologists at Leeds University are currently investigating the possibility of using herbs such as thyme and garlic as a substitute for antibiotics.

"Antibiotics are excellent growth promoters and the ban will put EU farmers at a competitive disadvantage with producers elsewhere," project leader Henry Greathead said.

"We are trying to find sustainable alternatives and plant extracts have great advantages.

"They are natural, their production would help a diverse agriculture, and above all, they are acceptable to the consumer."

The use of herbs in animal feed has been dismissed in the past as ludicrous, however, the feed industry are funding some of the research for alternatives.