Research on Poultry Farming Highlights Importance of Biosecurity in Addressing Antibiotic Resistance

Strategic Insights -

South African poultry farming researchers have made significant progress in developing novel methods for addressing health management in animal production and reducing dependency on antibiotics, which is crucial in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a continuous disinfection programme in improving growth performance and mortality rates in broiler farms. The results indicate that the use of a continuous disinfection programme, using a modified quaternary ammonium compound-based disinfectant, may be a viable alternative to standard chemicals currently used in the industry for cleaning and disinfection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrates the importance of biosecurity in poultry farming, with a focus on reducing the introduction or proliferation of infectious material in the growth environment.
  • The continuous disinfection programme using a modified quaternary ammonium compound-based disinfectant improved growth performance and mortality rates in broiler farms.
  • The product may be a viable alternative to standard chemicals currently used in the industry for cleaning and disinfection.
  • The study highlights the significance of South African research in improving biosecurity and productivity in poultry farming, one of the country's most important animal protein sectors.
  • The research offers evidence-based strategies for enhancing food safety, animal health, and farm hygiene, which are key to sustainable and competitive poultry systems in the region.
  • The study was conducted in four commercial poultry houses of 1800 m2 each in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, and evaluated two cleaning and disinfection protocols over two non-consecutive growth cycles.
  • The test evaluated whether the compound could improve growth performance and mortality rates, and the results indicate that improved cleaning, as evaluated using viral methods, could serve as an indicator of performance.
  • The study demonstrates the importance of continuous disinfection in improving broiler growth performance and feed conversion.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted in four commercial poultry houses each with an area of 1800 m2 in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape.
  • The research evaluated two cleaning and disinfection protocols over two non-consecutive growth cycles.
  • The continuous disinfection programme improved growth performance by [insert percentage increase].
  • The product used in the continuous disinfection programme is a modified quaternary ammonium compound-based disinfectant.
  • The study highlights the significance of research in improving biosecurity and productivity in poultry farming, which accounts for [insert percentage] of South Africa's animal protein production.

Sources:

  • Use of a continuous disinfection programme in broiler farms and its effects on litter microbiota and bird performance. Beauzec et al. (2025) - Published 18 July 2025 in South African Journal of Animal Science (55, 7).
  • South African Society for Animal Science. Publisher of South African Journal of Animal Science.
  • University of the Free State. Research institution.
  • NewsRx. Reports Summarize Poultry Farming Research from University of the Free State (Use of a continuous disinfection programme in commercial broiler production). Agriculture Week. August 14, 2025; p 385.