A review on growth promoters still allowed in cattle and pig production

• Published in: Livestock science Vol. 247; p. 104464
• Main Authors: Aroeira, Carolina Naves, Feddern, Vivian, Gressler, Vanessa, Contreras-Castillo, Carmen Josefina, Hopkins, David Laurence
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-05-2021
• Subjects: Beef; Feed additive; Pork; Veterinary drug; Veterinary drug; Feed additive; Beef; Pork
• ISSN: 1871-1413; 1878-0490
• DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104464

•The use of the growth promoters has arisen with the intensification of livestock farming;•Growth promoters induce improvements in feed conversion efficiency;•Nowadays, there is a controversy about the use of growth promoters for animals destined for meat production.
The demand for food is expected to grow substantially in the next few years; however, to feed the human population adequately it is necessary to ensure global food production. Undoubtedly this will lead to a higher protein requirement, consequently more meat. Therefore, producers, animal researchers and feed manufacturers will need to enhance animal nutrition and productivity, for instance. Growth Promoters (GPs) are widely used to accomplish these needs, and minimize economic losses. Thereby, this review aims to report the current scientific data on the use of GPs in cattle and pig production, their effect on meat quality and carcass traits, and possible impacts on animal health. It was noted that GPs have relevant benefits on carcass composition, although there are some minor negative effects on meat quality. Risks to animal health are low, given that the correct GPs dosages must be administered.