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Congressional Hearing: Controversy on the use of Antibiotics in Livestock and Agriculture The use of antibiotics in Livestock and Agriculture has been widespread ever since the discovery of its positive effects on animal growth. It was around the 1950’s when discoveries were being made on how greatly it increased the growth rate and size of livestock, which overall lead to many benefits for the farmers that utilized antibiotics (Ratcliff 1951, 282). These antibiotics were first discovered through the utilization of waste from antibiotic creation through vat fermentation. These benefits as a whole led to an overall increase in the availability and accessibility of meat. Unfortunately, all these benefits do not come without a potential cost. Our mindset of antibiotics has changed greatly over time. Before, many believed that we could use antibiotics to eliminate all bacteria and infectious disease. This idea …show more content…
The strongest way is to follow the model that Denmark and Aarestrup has set up. Their team has successfully collected data and developed a model that was able to reduce the amount of antibiotics used on livestock, while at the same time keeping the price of meat at a stable price that does not negatively affect the farmers (Aarestrup 2012, 2). This is often a huge concern among many; they worry that a change away from antibiotics will have a huge negative effect on this aspect of the market. Aarestrup’s studies provides direct evidence that they were able to solve this issue. Utilizing their three keys to success—data, political will, and collaboration—we can begin the path of slowing down the increasing antibiotic resistance. We must start today by considering legislation that will put limitations on the excessive use of antibiotics in our livestock industry. That is why I am here today to push for one of those keys which is political will and the ban or reduction of antibiotic use for just growth
Congressional Hearing: Controversy on the use of Antibiotics in Livestock and Agriculture The use of antibiotics in Livestock and Agriculture has been widespread ever since the discovery of its positive effects on animal growth. It was around the 1950’s when discoveries were being made on how greatly it increased the growth rate and size of livestock, which overall lead to many benefits for the farmers that utilized antibiotics (Ratcliff 1951, 282). These antibiotics were first discovered through the utilization of waste from antibiotic creation through vat fermentation. These benefits as a whole led to an overall increase in the availability and accessibility of meat. Unfortunately, all these benefits do not come without a potential cost. Our mindset of antibiotics has changed greatly over time. Before, many believed that we could use antibiotics to eliminate all bacteria and infectious disease. This idea …show more content…
The strongest way is to follow the model that Denmark and Aarestrup has set up. Their team has successfully collected data and developed a model that was able to reduce the amount of antibiotics used on livestock, while at the same time keeping the price of meat at a stable price that does not negatively affect the farmers (Aarestrup 2012, 2). This is often a huge concern among many; they worry that a change away from antibiotics will have a huge negative effect on this aspect of the market. Aarestrup’s studies provides direct evidence that they were able to solve this issue. Utilizing their three keys to success—data, political will, and collaboration—we can begin the path of slowing down the increasing antibiotic resistance. We must start today by considering legislation that will put limitations on the excessive use of antibiotics in our livestock industry. That is why I am here today to push for one of those keys which is political will and the ban or reduction of antibiotic use for just growth