20.08.2013

Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

Germany and neighbouring European countries is to systematically collect antibiotics consumption volumes in livestock farming. The use of antibiotics in livestock farming is controversial, because it can lead to resistance in bacteria. In a scientific study sponsored by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation Hanover and the University of Leipzig collected and analysed data on the consumption of antimicrobials in fattening pigs, broilers and cattle. Farmers and veterinarians from all over Germany participated in the study.
The average number of days on antibiotics for a German broiler is roughly 10.1. This is out of a 39-day rearing period.