Has Taiwan caught up with the antibiotic-free farming trend?
Early use of antibiotics
Climate change makes animals more vulnerable to diseases and impairs their ability to adapt. Intensive farming practices strain animals and weaken their immune systems. Adding antibiotics to animal feed, even when animals are healthy, promotes antimicrobial resistance. This could lead to the emergence of superbugs that require stronger antibiotics. Mishandling of antibiotic-contaminated animal waste pollutes soil and water, creating serious risks. Unlike human medicine, antibiotics can be used in animal feed without prescriptions. The animal industry consumes a large share of global antibiotic production.
What is antibiotic-free farming?
Animals raised without antibiotics rely on alternative health supplements like herbal medicines, probiotics, enzymes, or plant-based additives for robust health. This approach promotes a healthy digestive system, resulting in fewer cases of diarrhea, reduced fecal and urine odor, and less environmental pollution. By avoiding antibiotic use, the development of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms is prevented, preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. It also ensures food safety by eliminating the risk of drug residues. Globally, the antibiotic crisis is recognized, with the European Union implementing a comprehensive ban in 2006 and the United States enforcing strict regulations. While Taiwan permits the use of nine antimicrobial feed additives, the antibiotic-free farming trend is gaining traction, and Taiwan is keeping pace with it.
Taiwanese antibiotic-free farming companies.
GREEN WONDER BIOTECH CO,. LTD.: Developed based on traditional Chinese herbal medicine principles, the "ThaiXinWang Traditional Chinese Herbal Series" is a line of specialized feed additives suitable for various stages of livestock, poultry, and aquatic animal care. This product range is developed from traditional Chinese herbal medicine principles and incorporates functional combinations of herbs, probiotics, and peptides. These additives are utilized for daily health maintenance and long-term supplementation, enhancing overall health and breeding performance.
Green Great Wall Biotechnology Co., Ltd.: Under the leadership of Dr. Hong and in collaboration with research institutions, our technical team has successfully developed patented functional feed additives. These innovative products, namely "Grouper Happiness," "Grouper Safety," and "Grouper Wellness," are specifically designed for poultry, fish, and shrimp in aquaculture. They effectively reduce disease losses, enhance viral tolerance, and improve survival rates.
Altruism Company Limited: dedicated in developing animal health products, offering plant-based supplements and probiotics to enhance the well-being of poultry, livestock, and aquatic organisms. "ALTRUISM-CS Plus," is a pesticide residue-free natural plant formula. It inhibits coccidiosis, promotes intestinal health in chickens, and improves growth performance and meat yield. Additionally, "Rotam-CS" effectively prevents protozoan infections by blocking their entry into the intestinal tract, achieving reliable protozoan prevention.
BiomiXin Co., Ltd.: As Asia's pioneering automated precision feed production factory, we have long-standing collaborations with academic and research institutions to develop cutting-edge products. Our primary focus is on precision feed for pigs, customizing formulations based on Taiwan's pig breeds and environmental climate. Our exclusive functional probiotics, polysaccharides, and vegetarian-based formulations are integrated throughout the product series. This enables the swine industry to conveniently prepare high-quality feed and attain optimal efficiency.
Lactozyme Biotechnology Co., Ltd.: Specializing in probiotic-based feed additives for livestock, aquaculture, and pets. Our product line features "Bio-live," a potent blend of three active probiotic strains. These probiotics effectively inhibit pathogen growth, establish a healthy gut microbiota, improve digestion, minimize fecal odor, and boost the animal's immune system. With our reputation as a top brand in Taiwan, we have become a leader in similar products over the years.
Eubiotics Company Limited: "Plant-Based Technology," a result of technology transfer from Academia Sinica, utilizes natural edible herbs to create an optimal formulation. This technology regulates the intestinal microbiota of animals when incorporated into their feed or drinking water. It can also be used as a medication, offering a green alternative to chemical drugs or antibiotics, embodying the concept of a "green pharmacy." Our product "EUBIO-Base" has been recognized with the prestigious 2nd National Agricultural Science Research Award.
MORE STANDING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.: Adhering to the principles of nature, health, and organic practices, we have established five research and development platforms to develop technologies such as microbial fermentation, micro-emulsified essential oils, and organic mineral synthesis. Our product "Phenol Polyphenols" combines various plant essential oils and extracts to replace or reduce the use of antibiotics. This helps to avoid antibiotic residues in dairy, meat, and egg products while achieving disease prevention and promoting growth effects.
UNION FORMOSA BIOCHEMISTRY CO., LTD.: We specialize in the research and production of nutritional additives for animal feed and have developed formulas to improve animal reproductive performance. Our exclusive ROE2.0 technology utilizes advanced biotechnology to concentrate and extract the byproducts of microbial fermentation. The core component is a group of functional peptides that promote metabolism and possess antioxidant properties. These peptides can stimulate hormone release and effectively improve reproductive obstacles in economic animals.
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