Drivers and patterns of antibiotic use in small to medium-sized chicken farms in selected districts of Nepal.

ABSTRACT: The rise in commercial poultry production in Nepal has led to inappropriate and haphazard use of antibiotics, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to identify the drivers influencing antibiotic use among small to medium-scale layer chicken farms in selected districts. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 180-layer poultry farmers in Makawanpur (n = 45), Chitwan (n = 30), Dang (n = 46), and Pokhara (n = 59). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Among the 346 responses, antibiotics were used for treatment (50.6%), prophylaxis (32.7%), growth promotion (4.6%), improving egg laying (2.6%), and viral infections (9.5%). Antibiotics were administered during brooding (33.8%), debeaking and

SUBMITTER: Adhikari J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12364692 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature