Beef Production Facts
Production TechnologyAgricultural productivity in the United States has more than doubled in the past 50 years. Much of this increased efficiency is possible through production technologies. Many beef producers use scientifically proven production technology daily in feeding and caring for their animals – primarily antibiotics and growth promotants. Treating sick cattleCareful and judicious use of animal antibiotics is one way America’s beef producers help an animal regain or maintain excellent health while producing safe, wholesome and nutritious beef. Antibiotics used in beef cattle must go through a rigorous scientific testing process before being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This process assures animals remain healthy and the food supply remains safe. Beef producers are expected to follow the “Producer Guidelines for Judicious Use of Antimicrobials” which include: • Avoiding using antibiotics that are important in human medicine; • Using a narrow spectrum of antimicrobials whenever possible; • Treating the fewest number of animals possible; and • Using antibiotics to prevent or control disease and not to improve performance. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducts tests to ensure beef products entering the food supply do not contain antibiotic levels that violate FDA standards. This testing protocol has been updated continuously since its inception in 1967. Helping cattle growFor more than 50 years, growth promotants have helped cattle producers safely deliver leaner beef using fewer resources like land, grain and energy. Growth promotants are typically small pellets implanted under the skin on the back of an animal’s ear. The pellet releases tiny amounts of hormones to supplement existing hormones or compensate for missing hormones in the animal’s body. Growth promoting products are approved by FDA based on rigorous scientific testing procedures similar to those used for human medicines. FSIS regularly tests for, and has never found, residues in meat that would indicate misuse of growth promotants. More informationFACT SHEET: Antibiotic Use in Cattle Production FACT SHEET: Growth Promotant Use in Cattle ProductionFACT SHEET: Growth Promotant Approval ProcessAnimal Health InstituteGrowth Enhancement Technology Information Team
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