The Application and Limitations of Promising Biological Therapies in Livestock Production under the Context of Antibiotic Restrictions.

Abstract

The inappropriate use of antibiotics in livestock production has raised significant public health concerns, including the emergence of bacterial resistance and the presence of drug residues. In an era characterized by "antibiotic reduction and restriction", scientific inquiry has increasingly focused on developing alternatives to antibiotics, particularly through biocontrol strategies that utilize beneficial microorganisms to counteract pathogenic ones. Common biological therapies include probiotic therapy, phage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). These innovative approaches can effectively eliminate or suppress pathogenic microorganisms with fewer side effects, thereby enhancing the safety of food animals and their products. This review systematically examines these three biological interventions, elucidating their molecular mechanisms, veterinary applications, and current limitations. This paper aims to critically evaluate the translational potential and practical implementation of these novel therapies while providing evidence-based perspectives on their future optimization and advancement.