GROWTH PROMOTANTS IN FEEDING PIGS AND POULTRY - I - GROWTH AND FEED-EFFICIENCY RESPONSES TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTANTS (REPRINTED FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SWEDISH ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY, VOL 136, PG 9-21, 1997)

Since the beginning of the 1950s, growth promoters of antibiotic type have played a major role in the development of intensive and industria lised animal farming systems. The incorporation of such growth promote rs into animal feed mixtures has made it possible to improve animal he alth conditions as well as to increase rearing intensity. Simultaneous ly, the admiring of these additives has successively lowered food prod uction costs, a development which has been to the benefit of the consu mer. The objective of this contribution was to review recent developme nts in this area and in particular to address growth promoters of anti biotic type authorised in the European Union as additives for pig and poultry. Finally, we also briefly touch upon the potential economic co nsequences of terminating their use under current European conditions, as well as their potential environmental effects. ((C) Elsevier/Inra) .