Citation:Ranaweera, N. P. N. M. , Peiris, H. , & Wijayaratne, W. M. D. G. B. (2020). Antimicrobial Potential in Poultry Feed Used in Poultry in Kegalle District. 3rd Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka, 38.
Date:2020-10-02
Abstract:
Background: Rampant use of antibiotics in the livestock sector makes a significant
contribution for the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.
Objectives: To determine the presence of antimicrobial activity in poultry feeds used in
Kegalle district and to determine the awareness of poultry farm owners on potential effects
from feeding practices on the increase of antimicrobial resistance
Methods: Two samples of poultry feed from each shop and three samples of both feed and
water that are ready to serve in each farm were collected. Agar well diffusion method was used
to determine the antibiotic effects against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia
coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). Gentamicin and sterile
distilled water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. An interviewer
administered questionnaire was used to collect data from farm owners.
Results: No inhibition zones were detected against three standard organisms for all samples of
poultry feed collected from all 18 farms and for two types of poultry feed taken from all four
shops. Mean diameters of zones of inhibition detected in water samples against above
mentioned three organisms are 31.0, 21.5 and 20.0 mm respectively. The 78% of farm owners
declared that they mix different types of antibiotics containing additives into the water served
to animals. The 44% of farm owners believe that use of antibiotics is harmful for human health
while a similar percentage claims that it is a favorable practice. None of the farm owners were
aware that use of antibiotics in poultry contributes to the increasing antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions: Antimicrobial activity was not detected in poultry feeds used in Kegalle district.
However, water served to animals in poultry showed antimicrobial activity. The awareness of
farm owners on antibiotic use in poultry and its effect on the increase of antibiotic resistance is
unsatisfactory.
