Does internet usage drive antibiotic reduction in China's livestock industry? Evidence from Chinese duck farmers

The reduction of antibiotics in livestock farming is of great significance for ensuring the safety of meat-derived food and reducing farming pollution. Agricultural technology extension can precisely, efficiently, and cost-effectively provide frontline concepts and technologies for antibiotic reduction to farmers. However, there is still a lack of empirical evidence on the impact of Internet usage on antibiotic reduction among farmers. Based on survey data from 1005 duck farmers in 9 provinces across China, this study empirically analyzes the impact of Internet usage on the reduction of antibiotics among duck farmers and its underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that Internet usage significantly affects antibiotic reduction among farmers, a conclusion that holds true after endogeneity testing and robustness testing. Cognition of ecological benefits and cognition of health benefits are crucial pathways for promoting antibiotic reduction in farming, and Internet usage significantly enhances farmers' cognition of ecological and health benefits. Regarding information effectiveness, technical training exhibits complementary effects on Internet usage. The marginal effects of Internet usage on antibiotic reduction among farmers are significantly enhanced when the quantity and quality of family labor are at a medium level or higher. Internet usage has a substantial impact on antibiotic reduction among farmers when the quantity of family labor is at a medium level or higher, and information effectiveness can effectively promote antibiotic reduction in farming. There is no apparent heterogeneity in the impact of information effectiveness on antibiotic reduction among farmers of different quality groups.