Saturday, October 24, 2015

Raising Livestock Without Antibiotics

Anyone who has raised livestock commercially knows how important antibiotics have been in maintaining the health, well-being, and productivity of their animals. But times are changing, and antibiotics are on the way out.

In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the Guide for Industry 209 (GFI 209) that stated the intention to phase out the use of antibiotics in animal feeds or water for purposes of growth promotion. (Ionophores and bacitracin are not included in the GFI 209.)

The FDA has given producers a deadline of December 2016 to institute these changes, so now is the time to discuss these changes with a veterinarian and prepare for them.

The restrictions are focused on preventing antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause diseases in humans.

Sources:
Randy Wiedmeier, livestock specialist, University of Missouri Extension, (417) 256-2391

Artwork: Friesian Bull, 1895
Animal Husbandry and Livestock Books
Farm Supply
Feed & Hay


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