Document Type

Other

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Keywords

cattle, animal health, natural raising techniques

Extension Number

ExEx 11020

Department

Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

Description

Raising cattle in a “naturally raised” program presents an opportunity for cattle producers to realize premiums for the cattle when marketed. Specific requirements of “naturally raised” programs vary among individual branded programs, but commonly the programs disallow use of antimicrobials, ionophores, and hormones. Products such as antimicrobials and ionophores have customarily played a large role in prevention and treatment of disease conditions in cattle. In addition, products such as ionophores and growth implants substantially improve the growth performance and feed conversion of cattle receiving those products. Because of this, producers considering raising “natural” cattle need to consider the consequences presented by the unavailability of those animal health “tools.”

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