Biosecurity in livestock farming: strategic use of lime by-products to prevent infectious diseases and improve animal health

Objective: To provide an expanded understanding of lime and its strategic uses, promote best-use practices, and reduce problems associated with livestock diseases. These measures will strengthen biosecurity in the livestock sector and protect public health. Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic review was carried out to update essential knowledge for everyone interested in the livestock sector, strengthening biosecurity in livestock farms and safeguarding public health. Results: Lime and its by-products are some of the most widely used disinfectants to prevent and control infectious livestock diseases. As one of their action mechanisms, lime-based disinfectants can affect vital components of bacterial cells, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Study Limitations/Implications: Applying different disinfectants depends on environmental factors and animal and human safety considerations. Findings/Conclusions: Applying biosecurity measures throughout the production chain reduces the risk of introducing and spreading new pathogens on livestock farms. Meanwhile, the affordability of lime and its by-products facilitates disinfection and carcass management in facilities. Lime slurry and lime water are useful as remarkable facilitators of carcass decomposition and space disinfection.