Antibiotic alternatives for poultry production in Pakistan
Following tremendous modernization in the past two decades, Pakistan’s poultry production currently ranks as the eighth largest in the world. However, there is growing concern about the potential overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which could lead to antibiotic resistance and negative implications for public health. There is a need for novel, effective, and affordable alternatives to traditional antibiotics, but they are difficult to replace because of their use for treatment, prevention, and improving growth.
New solutions
The research team will develop new technologies that will collectively replace the benefits of antibiotics in Pakistan’s poultry production. Phage therapy is among the most promising technologies because of its capacity to mitigate bacterial contamination and infections.
Expected results
The project will reduce reliance on antibiotics in Pakistan’s poultry production industry and support the transition to alternatives that enhance poultry health and efficiency without posing a risk to public health. Platforms will be designed and implemented to encourage the rapid development of phage and nutraceutical-based antibiotic alternatives and a framework will be defined to introduce and promote these technologies for commercial and clinical use.
Lead institutions
This project is a collaboration between Purdue University in the USA and the University of the Punjab and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of Lahore in Pakistan.
• Duration: 33 months
• Budget: CA$2,804,100