Ukrainian livestock farming is entering a new phase of development. In March 2026, a law came into force that prohibits the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and limits their prophylactic use. For the industry, this means a systemic transformation — from approaches to feeding to product requirements.
Why the “gray livestock” model is losing relevance
The traditional production model, based on growth stimulation with antibiotics, is gradually becoming a thing of the past. The reasons are not only legislative restrictions.
Firstly, new regulations make such practices illegal.
Secondly, the financial logic of the market is changing: banks, investors and international institutions are integrating the rejection of antibiotics into their ESG policies. The lack of a transparent production cycle makes it difficult to access capital, and products with antibiotics lose access to premium markets.
Additional pressure is created by international standards. Large players and retail chains, in particular McDonald’s and KFC, are introducing their own requirements for product safety, which often exceed state requirements.
Global trend: from antibiotics to alternatives
Limiting the use of antibiotics is part of a global strategy to combat resistance to them. The global feed antibiotics market, according to Grand View Research, is estimated at $3.73–3.85 billion, but is stagnating.
On the other hand, the alternative solutions segment is growing rapidly. According to Global Market Insights, the probiotics and alternatives market reached $5.4–5.96 billion in 2025 and is growing by an average of 7.7–8.2% per year. By 2030, it could reach $8.27 billion.
The European Union has already gone this way. The ban on antibiotics as growth promoters has been in effect since 2006, and since 2022, control has been significantly strengthened through Regulation 2019/6. It provides for a de facto medical level of accounting for veterinary drugs on farms.
The EU experience: adaptation without loss of efficiency
An illustrative example is Spain, which previously had one of the highest levels of antibiotic use in Europe. After changes in legislation, the country introduced a digital system for controlling the use of drugs.
According to EMA ESUAvet 2024, meat production in Spain even increased by 0.4%, which confirms that the rejection of antibiotics does not reduce demand, but changes the approach to production management.
Ukrainian context: point of no return
According to FAO estimates, more than 60% of Ukrainian farms use antibiotics, often without clear recommendations and with an emphasis on prevention.
The new legislation is becoming a trigger for change. It is shaping a new market structure. Producers who work according to outdated models and do not invest in biosecurity will lose their positions. Companies that introduce innovations, natural alternatives and a systemic approach to feeding will maintain leadership.
What is replacing antibiotics
Modern livestock farming is moving from treatment to health and productivity management. The focus is on biotechnological solutions that work not as a one-for-one replacement, but as a new approach to feeding and keeping animals.
Among the key tools:
probiotics - maintain the balance of intestinal microflora and improve digestion;
prebiotics - stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and strengthen immunity;
postbiotics - products of the metabolism of microorganisms that support the barrier functions of the intestine and the efficiency of feed absorption.
It is on such approaches that modern feed solutions are based, in particular Enzym Feed Solutions products, which are developed on the basis of yeast cells. They help reduce the impact of stress on animals, stabilize the microbiome and increase the efficiency of feeding without the use of antibiotics.
This is not a short-term effect, but a systemic change in the production model - with a focus on long-term productivity, animal health and compliance with the requirements of international markets.
Business effect: not only compliance, but also benefit
The transition to a new model gives producers not only compliance with regulations, but also economic benefits:
improvement of feed conversion by 3-5%, which reduces raw material costs;
reduction of mortality due to stabilization of microflora;
increased consumer confidence through transparency of production.
New competition rules
Regulatory changes are shaping a new competitive reality. The winners are not those who produce more or cheaper, but those who quickly adapt to new market requirements. For Ukrainian livestock farming, this is a chance to move from a raw material model to creating value-added products - through technology, innovation and quality management.
