A Shift Towards Prevention: Perdue's Core Philosophy
For decades, the poultry industry relied on antibiotics to prevent disease and promote growth in chickens. However, rising concerns over antibiotic resistance led companies like Perdue to seek alternative methods. Perdue's transition to a 'No Antibiotics Ever' (NAE) program was a gradual, research-driven process that shifted the focus from treatment to prevention. Rather than relying on a single solution, the company developed a comprehensive program based on several interconnected practices.
The Role of Natural Supplements and Phytogenics
Instead of routine antibiotics, Perdue incorporates a variety of natural supplements into its chickens' nutrition to support health and vitality. This use of plant-based additives, known as phytogenics, provides antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. The most prominent examples used by Perdue are oregano and thyme.
- Oregano: This herb is a source of natural antioxidants and contains compounds with antimicrobial properties that support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Thyme: Similar to oregano, thyme also has natural antioxidants and vitamins that contribute to a chicken's overall health and gut function.
- Other Phytogenics: Broader research shows that other herbal products like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric are also effective alternatives due to their immune-boosting and gut-manipulation properties, and it is likely Perdue explores these and similar options.
The Importance of Probiotics and Prebiotics
Maintaining a healthy gut is crucial for warding off illness without antibiotics. Perdue addresses this by adding prebiotics and probiotics to the chicken's diet.
- Probiotics: These are beneficial microorganisms that help establish a healthy gut flora. By introducing 'good bugs,' probiotics can outcompete harmful bacteria, boosting the chicken's natural defenses.
- Prebiotics: These are indigestible fibers that serve as food for the beneficial gut bacteria, helping them thrive and colonize the intestinal tract more effectively.
Enhanced Animal Husbandry and Environmental Controls
Perdue's NAE program goes beyond just diet; it involves significant changes to the chickens' living conditions to create a low-stress, healthy environment where disease is less likely to occur. This adherence to higher animal care standards is a cornerstone of the NAE approach.
- Clean and Light-Filled Environments: Chickens are raised in cleaner, light-filled housing that promotes vitality.
- Environmental Enrichment: To encourage natural behaviors, chickens are given enrichments like perches, platforms, and bales of straw. Active, healthy chickens are less susceptible to illness.
- Improved Litter Management: Regular assessment and management of litter conditions in the chicken houses help prevent footpad lesions and other health issues.
- On-Farm Hatching: Perdue has explored on-farm hatching to reduce stress on newborn chicks by allowing them to start life in their intended environment.
A 100% Vegetarian Diet
All of Perdue's chickens are fed a specialized 100% vegetarian diet consisting of corn, soybeans, and other ingredients, with no animal by-products. A nutritionally complete diet is a foundational element in supporting a strong immune system from day one.
Comparison of Production Methods
To better understand Perdue's modern approach, consider the key differences when compared to traditional antibiotic use in poultry farming.
| Feature | Perdue's No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) Program | Traditional Poultry Farming (Before NAE) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Health Strategy | Prevention through optimized diet, environment, and natural supplements. | Prophylactic (routine) and therapeutic use of antibiotics. |
| Antibiotics Used | None, except for therapeutic treatment of sick flocks, which are then removed from the NAE program. | Used routinely in feed or water to prevent disease and promote growth. |
| Diet | 100% vegetarian diet, often fortified with natural supplements like oregano and thyme. | Standard feed, sometimes including animal by-products and antibiotics. |
| Environmental Focus | Emphasis on natural light, enrichments, space, and cleanliness to reduce stress. | Often focuses on efficiency and maximizing density, potentially leading to higher stress and disease risk. |
| Antibiotic Resistance | Aims to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a major public health concern. | Contributes to the rise of antibiotic resistance. |
| Consumer Promise | Guarantees that branded chicken products were raised with "No Antibiotics Ever" through a USDA Process Verified Program. | May involve government-mandated withdrawal periods, but does not promise an antibiotic-free life. |
Conclusion
Perdue's response to the demand for antibiotic-free chicken is not a simple substitution but a systemic overhaul of its entire production model. By focusing on superior animal husbandry, enriched living environments, and a specialized diet supplemented with natural additives like oregano and thyme, the company has created a robust preventative health program. This multi-layered strategy allows Perdue to raise healthy chickens without relying on routine antibiotics, directly addressing significant consumer and public health concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. The commitment to continuous improvement, including research into new welfare practices, underscores the company's position as a leader in evolving sustainable food production methods. The result is a product that offers consumers a transparent choice backed by verifiable processes, all while improving the health of their animals.
For more information on the use of natural alternatives in poultry, you can explore scientific literature, such as research highlighted by the National Institutes of Health.
