1. Usage of chemicals in Poultry and
Aqua
There are several important concerns with regard to the use of chemicals in Poultry
and as well as aquaculture. These include:
Human health concerns: Related to the use of feed additives, therapeutants,
hormones, disinfectants and vaccines in Poultry and aquaculture.
Product quality concerns: Related to such issues as the occurrence
of chemical residues in Poultry and aquaculture products, their use in the enhancement
of product quality and in the preparation of value-added products.
Related to the need for consumer protection from hazardous usage, and issues surrounding
consumer acceptance of the use of chemicals in the production of Table Chicken,
Egg, fish and shellfish destined for human consumption.
Environmental concerns: Such as the effects of aquaculture chemicals
on water and sediment quality (nutrient enrichment, loading with organic matter,
etc.), natural aquatic communities (toxicity, disturbance of community structure
and resultant impacts on biodiversity), and effects on microorganisms (alteration
of microbial communities and the generation of drug resistant strains of bacteria).
The general lack of knowledge: Lack of Knowledge concerning the
effects and fates of chemicals and their residues in cultured organisms and within
the aquaculture system itself. Similarly, information is lacking on the actions
and fate of chemicals used in aquaculture in the aquatic environment in general
(impacts on non-cultured organisms, sediments and the water column).
The lack of knowledge on alternative means for chemical application:
Development of highly specific targeted chemicals that have reduced side effects
and environmental implicates is needed. The availability of affordable treatments
suitable for aquaculture systems raising low-value species needs to be improved.
2. Major Challenges and Opportunities
There are three broad groups of people who deal directly with Poultry and Aquaculture
chemicals:
1. Manufacturers and traders,
2. Farmers,
3. Consumers
Manufacturers and traders should work towards manufacturing and
supplying appropriate species and systems- with out chemicals. They should facilitate
availability through ensuring an adequate supply of such Organic products; should
provide accurate and adequate information to farmers, and avoid illegal trade. The
private sector should also conduct more research and development towards reducing
the harmful impacts of chemicals in Poultry and Aquaculture systems, and should
work to improve public awareness of the pros and cons of chemical use.
Farmers should work to understand the on-farm management of Organic
additive product use in order to increase effectiveness and minimize adverse impacts.
They should also inform themselves of the advantages of Organic additive use and
disadvantages of chemical use in each specific situation.
Consumers should be aware of the health consequences of chemical
misuse. They should inform themselves of the benefits, as well of the hazards, arising
from chemical use, and should guard against undue influence by criticisms against
Poultry and Aquaculture based mainly on emotional arguments that have little basis
in scientific fact.
However, where evidence strongly indicates the need for constructive change within
the Poultry and Aquaculture industry, consumers should support advocacy groups working
towards this goal.
Policy makers, researchers, and scientists should work together in addressing the
issues of chemical use and use of Organic additives, with the view to reduce the
adverse impacts. More research is needed, and they should focus on providing answers
to the problems related to the use of chemicals and advantage the use of Organic
or Bio Additives.
3. Issues with Poultry
In poultry production intensive rearing practices have led to increased animal stress
and disease. Respiratory diseases are one of the most common diseases in poultry.
The disease occurs when birds are infected with disease causing bacteria and viruses.
Subsequent invasion by secondary bacteria cause major damage to the birds. A frequent
change in the environment too leads to building up of disease causing bacteria in
the farm. Further these diseases can also lead to Immune suppression.
Disease conditions in general are controlled by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Unfortunately, the extensive use of antibiotics and chemicals over a long period
of time has resulted in the emergence of disease causing organism that have become
resistant to such treatments.
World Health Organization has recommended the development of alternative and environmental
friendly methods to control disease maintain productivity as well as ensure highest
possible levels of animal health and welfare. It can be summarized that well maintained
immune system could help the birds in effectively combating stress of any form.
4. Issues with Aquaculture
Managing immune system is one of the critical aspects of Shrimp Farming because
the immune system in Shrimp is constantly challenged due to never ending stress
and infectious pressure. The use of antimicrobial drugs have had limited success
in combating disease problems and further shrimp growing countries have started
insisting farmers not to use antibiotics, drugs and chemicals, which have the potential
to harm human health and adversely impact the environment.
The efficient functioning of the digestive system is very important for the organization
and activation of cells and enzymes involved in non-specific immune defenses. So
a feed / feed additive is necessary for enhancing growth and to stimulate immunity
of Shrimps and more importantly leaves no residue on biomass.
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