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My understanding is that antibiotic usage in cows is that it significantly increases their growth rate given the livestock feed we use by altering their gut flo
by evilduck 14y ago
My understanding is that antibiotic usage in cows is that it significantly increases their growth rate given the livestock feed we use by altering their gut flora to utilize the nutrients better. If MRSA became resistant to whatever antibiotic they use, I don't think it would alter agricultural practice since that's not what they're using it for.
I could be wrong since this is way out of my areas of interest, but AFAIK it has nothing to do with fighting off infections.
- tocomment 14y agoAny idea how the antibiotics make them grow faster? You'd think killing gut flora would make them grow more slowly?
- MacsHeadroom 14y agoCattle don't need flora to digest grains. They never ate grain in their evolutionary past, only grass. Their flora doesn't process it- which is why E. coli takes over. The majority of cattle which end up in a grocer, convenience store, or restaurant spent most of their life completely infested with E. coli. Right up to the point of being thrown into the grinder.
- wcoenen 14y agoE. Coli is commonly found in the intestines of all warm-blooded animals, and it is usually harmless. There are only a few problematic strains.
- boundlessdreamz 14y agoThey are raised in unsanitary conditions and antibiotics reduce the infections. Watch the documentary Food Inc. for a good overview of how screwed up the US meat industry is