In the 1950s, the routine addition of antibiotics to pig feed post-World War II revolutionized livestock farming by boosting growth rates and feed efficiency. However, this practice raised significant concerns about antibiotic resistance, as the overuse of these drugs in agriculture contributed to the emergence of resistant bacteria. The implications of antibiotic use in animal husbandry continue to influence discussions on food safety, public health, and sustainable farming practices.

The use of antibiotics in pig feed post-WWII has been critiqued in late 20th-century poetry, where poets like Alice Walker address environmental and health concerns. Their works reflect on the consequences of industrial agriculture, urging readers to consider the ethical implications of food production and consumption.