As demand for poultry and livestock raised without the use of antibiotics grows in the United States, it would be good to know what, if any, linkage there is to this practice and animal welfare. However, there is little data available regarding the association between raised without antibiotic claims and animal health and welfare.

A team of livestock researchers, led by Randy Singer of Mindwalk Consulting Group and the University of Minnesota, has developed a survey to assess opinions and experiences of food animals raised without antibiotics and their relationship to animal health and welfare.

The survey is intended for individuals actively involved with commercial poultry and/or other livestock production systems (such as swine), regardless of whether or not the producer is currently involved in a raised-without-antibiotics program/system.

Singer and his colleagues, Jennifer Koeman Wishnie and Dan Thomson, urge pork producers to participate in the 15-minute survey that will be completely anonymous and confidential with no data about individual participants recorded.

Click here to access the survey. Should you have any questions or comments, contact Singer.