The future of pharmaceuticals in cattle production stands at a critical juncture, according to Dr. Mike Apley, professor at Kansas State University.
Apley emphasized the possibilities as well as the difficulties the industry faces at this past summer’s Cattle U, in Manhattan, Kansas.
“I get excited and hopeful about the direction pharmaceuticals will take in cattle farming,” Apley said. “There will be roadblocks, but I’m excited about what the future holds.”
A historical perspective
The use of pharmaceuticals in cattle production has a storied history. At first, the mid-20th century arrival of antibiotics represented a breakthrough since they lowered sickness frequency and raised production. From conventional farming techniques to more intensive systems where drugs were vital in preserving animal health and guaranteeing food security, this era witnessed a radical change.
The sophistication of pharmaceutical uses developed along with industry size. By the 1970s and 1980s, cattle producers had access to a broader range of antibiotics and vaccines, which significantly reduced mortality rates and improved overall herd health, Apley said. These developments satisfied the rising demand for beef and helped meat production to be more efficient.
Pros of pharmaceutical use in cattle production
The benefits of pharmaceuticals in cattle production are clear. They have helped farmers properly control illnesses, therefore producing better output and healthier animals, Apley said. Vaccines have helped stop disease outbreaks such foot-and-mouth disease and bovine respiratory illness, which can kill cattle.
Moreover, the use of growth promoters has made meat production more efficient. These supplements enable calves to turn feed into muscle, promoting faster growth rates and more meat per animal. This efficiency not only promotes farmers’ profitability but also meets the demand for worldwide beef consumption.
Apley underscored the part sophisticated technologies play in this development. “It’s nearly a myth to today suggest that certain animals are 100% antibiotic-free after their withdrawal time, given our level of technology,” he said “The technology we have now
can detect so much more than it could have in past years.” This degree of awareness guarantees that meat entering the food chain is safe and conforms with strict legal criteria.
Cons and concerns
Notwithstanding these benefits, using drugs in cow farming is not without debate. Antibiotic resistance ranks among the main worries, Apley said. Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms resulting from the overuse of antibiotics in cattle can compromise human and animal health, he said. This problem has spurred demands for more restrained antibiotic use and more monitoring and control.
Further influencing the sector are consumer impressions. Driven by issues about food safety and animal welfare, “antibiotic-free” and “organic” beef is in more demand, Apley said. Maintaining animal health and output while juggling consumer demands presents a difficulty for producers, he added.
Looking ahead
Future medications in cattle production will include negotiating these complications. As Apley noted, although obstacles still lie ahead, the sector has enormous hope for developments in pharmaceuticals and technology. Dealing with present and future problems will depend mostly on improved diagnosis tools, more focused therapies and better management strategies, he said.
“The direction of drugs in cattle production excites and inspires me,” Apley said. “Although roadblocks will arise, I am excited about what the future holds.”
Madelyn Murphy can be reached at [email protected].
