University student perspectives on antimicrobial peptide use in farm animals

The study investigates university student perspectives on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternatives to antibiotics in livestock production. It focuses on six themes: initial knowledge, human wellbeing, animal welfare, perceived naturalness of AMPs, unintended consequences, and public acceptance. Participants viewed AMPs positively as an alternative to antibiotics to address AMR, but concerns centered around unintended harmful effects on food systems, public health, and animal welfare, which may impact public acceptance of AMPs in animal agriculture.