EXAMINATION ON THE USE OF PROBIOTICS AND PHYTOBIOTICS AS ALTERNATIVES TO ANTIBIOTICS IN POULTRY PRODUCTION: ACASE STUDY OF OLAM FARM

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Poultry production is a vital segment of the global agricultural economy, contributing significantly to food security and income generation, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria (FAO, 2021). However, the industry faces critical challenges related to disease management and the overreliance on antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention. Excessive antibiotic use in poultry has led to increasing concerns over antibiotic resistance, a global public health threat recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020). This situation calls for sustainable alternatives that maintain poultry health and productivity without compromising public safety. Probiotics and phytobiotics have emerged as promising substitutes to antibiotics in poultry production. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts (FAO/WHO, 2002), have been demonstrated to improve gut health, enhance immune responses, and promote nutrient absorption in poultry (Gaggìa et al., 2020). Similarly, phytobiotics—plant-derived bioactive compounds such as essential oils, herbs, and spices—possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and growth-promoting properties that can substitute for antibiotics (Windisch et al., 2021). The shift towards probiotics and phytobiotics aligns with increasing consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry products and stricter regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing antibiotic residues in animal products (Oladimeji et al., 2022). Moreover, these alternatives offer environmental benefits by reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ecosystems (Sing. In Nigeria, and specifically at OLAM Farm, which is recognized for commercial poultry production, exploring the efficacy and adoption of probiotics and phytobiotics is critical to sustainable farming practices. Despite global advances, the adoption of probiotics and phytobiotics in Nigerian poultry farms remains uneven due to limited awareness, inconsistent quality control, and the high cost of some products (Adewumi et al., 2023). OLAM Farm represents a strategic case study given its scale and influence in the poultry sector, providing insights into the practical benefits and challenges of integrating these alternatives within commercial production systems. Understanding the effects of probiotics and phytobiotics on poultry health and performance in the Nigerian context will help bridge the gap between research and practice. It will also inform policies and extension services aimed at promoting sustainable, antibiotic-free poultry production systems, ensuring food safety and environmental protection. ________________________________________ 1.2 Statement of the Problem The routine use of antibiotics in poultry production at OLAM Farm and similar establishments has raised concerns about the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that threaten both animal and human health (WHO, 2020). Persistent antibiotic residues in poultry products also pose food safety risks and may limit market access due to increasing regulatory restrictions globally (Oladimeji et al., 2022). Moreover, the overuse of antibiotics often leads to reduced efficacy, prompting the need for alternative growth promoters and disease control strategies. However, many poultry farmers, including those at OLAM Farm, lack adequate information on the effective use of probiotics and phytobiotics, resulting in underutilization of these potentially beneficial feed additives (Adewumi et al., 2023). Existing studies predominantly focus on laboratory or small-scale trials, with limited empirical evidence on large commercial farms like OLAM, where the scale and management practices differ significantly (Gaggìa et al., 2020). Additionally, challenges related to product quality, dosage standardization, and economic feasibility hinder widespread adoption. These gaps necessitate a comprehensive examination of the use, effectiveness, and challenges of probiotics and phytobiotics as antibiotic alternatives within OLAM Farm. ________________________________________ 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1. To evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics and phytobiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in enhancing poultry health and productivity at OLAM Farm. 2. To assess the level of awareness and acceptance of probiotics and phytobiotics among poultry farm managers and workers at OLAM Farm. 3. To identify the challenges and limitations in the adoption of probiotics and phytobiotics in poultry production at OLAM Farm. 4. To recommend strategies for optimizing the use of probiotics and phytobiotics as sustainable antibiotic alternatives in Nigerian poultry production. ________________________________________ 1.4 Research Questions 1. How effective are probiotics and phytobiotics compared to antibiotics in promoting poultry health and productivity at OLAM Farm? 2. What is the level of awareness and acceptance of probiotics and phytobiotics among OLAM Farm poultry personnel? 3. What challenges hinder the adoption of probiotics and phytobiotics in poultry production at OLAM Farm? 4. What strategies can enhance the effective use of probiotics and phytobiotics as antibiotic alternatives in OLAM Farm? ________________________________________ 1.5 Research Hypotheses 1. Probiotics and phytobiotics are equally or more effective than antibiotics in promoting poultry health and productivity at OLAM Farm. 2. There is a positive relationship between awareness of probiotics and phytobiotics and their adoption in poultry production at OLAM Farm. ________________________________________ 1.6 Significance of the Study This study will provide empirical evidence on the viability of probiotics and phytobiotics as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production, informing policymakers on regulatory and support frameworks needed to encourage their adoption. It will help establish guidelines to improve poultry health management, reducing antibiotic misuse and resistance risks. For OLAM Farm and the wider poultry community, the findings will offer practical insights into enhancing poultry productivity and product safety while meeting consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry. This contributes to economic sustainability and market competitiveness. Academically, the study enriches literature on sustainable poultry production practices in Nigeria, bridging gaps between global research findings and local farm realities. It also sets a foundation for further research into alternative feed additives in sub-Saharan Africa. ________________________________________ 1.7 Scope of the Study The study focuses on OLAM Farm, located in Nigeria, examining the use of probiotics and phytobiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in commercial poultry production. Key variables include poultry health indicators, productivity measures, levels of awareness and acceptance, and adoption challenges. The research covers both broiler and layer production units, evaluating the comparative effects of probiotics, phytobiotics, and antibiotics on poultry performance. This scope provides comprehensive insights relevant to similar commercial poultry operations in Nigeria and comparable contexts.