EU-backed research turns winery waste into a tool against antibiotic overuse in livestock

A consortium led by the Spanish University of Santiago de Compostela has developed a natural formulation from winery waste that could reduce antibiotic use in farming and aquaculture by improving animal health and resilience.

An EU-backed research project is turning winery waste into a potential tool against antibiotic overuse in livestock, as scientists explore whether grape marc can support animal health across farming and aquaculture.

According to related EU project material, the NeoGiANT consortium has extracted bioactive compounds from the skins, seeds and stems left after winemaking to produce e-Vitis, a natural formulation with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The work is aimed at helping farmers cut routine antibiotic use, a step researchers say matters in the wider fight against antimicrobial resistance.

The project, coordinated by the University of Santiago de Compostela, has tested the extracts in pigs, cattle, poultry and several fish species, including seabass, salmon, trout and turbot. Early results suggest benefits for gut health, immune response and disease resilience, while additional products have been developed for treatment use and for sperm extenders that could reduce reliance on conventional antibiotics in reproduction.

Researchers say the strongest case is prevention: keeping animals healthier before disease takes hold. They also argue the work could support a more circular bioeconomy by giving value to a waste stream that is produced in large volumes every year.

Further validation in commercial settings, plus regulatory and manufacturing work, will be needed before wider market adoption.