ORANGE CITY, Iowa – With health-conscious consumers becoming more aware of what’s on their food labels, cattle producers are also looking at more options for reducing or eliminating antibiotic use.

“Currently, the primary use of antibiotics in livestock production is to maintain animal health and well-being,” said Beth Doran, Iowa State University extension beef specialist in Orange City. “Compared to other species of farm animals, the beef industry does not routinely use a lot of antibiotics.”

But she said there was growing concern that antibiotic use in food animal production might lead to increased antibiotic resistance against medically important antibiotics (those used in human medicine).

“Consequently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and drug manufacturers agreed to remove production uses (i.e., growth promotion, feed efficiency) for antibiotics that are medically important,” she said. “This is referred to as the Veterinary Feed Directive, (monitored by the FDA) which requires veterinary oversight for the use of medically important antibiotics in feed and water.

“The veterinarian, livestock producer and feed company that mixes feed (containing a medically important drug) must work together to maintain a strict protocol on use of the drug (i.e., level, length of time, intended use), and have documented records to support,” she added.

Currently, she said the USDA oversees process-verified programs such as ‘never-ever’ (never given antibiotics or hormones) when this claim is made on the label of a beef retail product.

She said the Beef Quality Assurance program is a national industry-driven program for cattle producers and allied agribusinesses that provides education on “thoughtful, responsible cattle management.

“Most major packers require a feedlot producer to have a current Beef Quality Assurance certification (which is current for three years) in order to sell market-ready cattle to them,” she said.

“There is currently research into the use of natural products (such as seaweed and herbs) delivered in the feed to help maintain animal health,” she added. “This kind of research is difficult to set up and analyze to determine differences.”

She said antibiotic use can be reduced with good management: vaccinations to prevent disease and sickness; good sanitation (manure management and animal bedding); quality feed (balanced rations with quality ingredients); protection from the elements (cold stress and heat stress); low-stress animal handling; and good communication between the veterinarian and producer.

Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, Iowa State University extension beef specialist in Greenfield, said animal husbandry and biosecurity are two key factors to help prevent sickness or diseases that lead to the need for antibiotics.

“The famous saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is really the key here,” she said. “Just like humans, as cattle mature, they begin to have a much stronger immunity. Calves are born with little to no immune system, so things like providing a clean environment/supplying fresh bedding, adequate space for calves to spread out, providing adequate nutrition, etc., are important for calf health and minimizing spreading of bacteria and viruses.”

She said producers should also be aware of biosecurity to prevent transmission of diseases, which might include being cognizant of where they have worn their chore boots; sharing equipment with neighbors; where they are sourcing new animals; and cleaning facilities, supplies, and equipment.

“Timely and proper vaccinations are also important to help boost an animal’s immune system, and protect the herd,” she said. “Producers should work closely with their herd veterinarian to develop a herd health plan.

“There has been some research exploring alternatives to utilizing antibiotics, including some work with mineral supplementation, and feeding prebiotics, or probiotics,” she added. “This is really a new area of research, so still a lot of unknowns to be explored and fine-tuned for success.”

Grant Dewell, Iowa State University professor of veterinary medicine and extension beef veterinarian, said other options are primarily limited to preventative measures.

“Strong vaccination program, good nutrition, biosecurity program that address appropriate risks, sanitation and management dedicated to making it work,” he said. “If you limit a potential tool associated with health and welfare, everything else has to be correct. Once these are addressed, then we can look at alternatives to antibiotics such as probiotics and prebiotics, supplements, etc.,” he added.

When changing feed rations, Doran said there are several key principles:

- Balance the ration to meet the nutrient requirements of the animal for energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water.

- Maintain consistent quality of the ration: fresh, no separation of ingredients, good quality of the ingredients, few fine particles (like the bottom of a cereal box), good color and aroma.

- Bunk management (matching feed deliveries to the amount of feed cattle need for optimal performance) is critical.

- Inconsistent feed mixing and delivery can lead to digestive disorders – bloat, acidosis, and liver abscesses – and erratic intake that affects gains, health and overall animal performance.

- Ration changes should be slow and gradual.

- Monitor weather: weather changes can affect feed intake, and the amount of feed to provide to the animals.

- Keep good records of your feed bunk management and monitor changes in the animals’ feed intake. These changes will dictate whether to provide more or less feed.

Dewell said any change in feed rations requires some caution and oversight.

“Removing a feed medication that helps prevent acidosis, for example, means that we need to reduce grain content to help protect the calf so they won’t grow as fast, and in the long run, will take more feed, be more expensive, and produce more impact on the environment,” he said.

“Only focusing on antibiotic sustainability may not consider environmental, health and economic sustainability,” he added. “Cattle producers need to make sure they evaluate all aspects of these programs, and balance options to fit their operations.”