Use of Antibiotics in Livestock Production in Vietnam and Technical Alternatives
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have created a growing global threat. It is undeniable that antibiotics application has accelerated the development of animal husbandry, but the escalating crisis of AMR derived from antibiotic use poses significant threats to public health and sustainable agricultural development. The development of alternatives to antibiotic used in livestock farming has become urgent. This report aims to provide an overview of Vietnam's regulation banning the use of antibiotics in animal feed from the beginning of 2026, and assesses the progress and awareness of antibiotic alternatives. The options available to reduce the need for antibiotics in animal agriculture through the use of non-antibiotic alternative products (such as probiotics, prebiotic enzymes, oxidizing agents, plant compounds, plant extracts, vaccines, and immunomodulators) are discussed in this paper. If used with appropriate strategies, these alternatives could replace antibiotics in livestock farming. These alternatives not only help to better address antibiotic resistance but also contribute to weight gain, improved feed efficiency, and more effective disease control in livestock. However, to date, no alternative has been proven to effectively replace antibiotics on a large scale, although they appear to be a partial replacement for antibiotics. These natural alternatives hold promise for improving the overall health of the environment, animals, and humans.
