Feed & Additives (cont.)
Ruminant By–Products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adopted the "Animal Proteins Prohibited from Ruminant Feed" regulation to prevent the establishment of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the U.S. through feed, and thereby minimize any risk to animals and humans. The final rule went into effect on August 4, 1997. The regulation has established certain requirements for renderers, protein blenders, feed manufacturers, distributors (including haulers), individuals, and establishments that are responsible for feeding ruminant animals.
The Ruminant Feed Ban regulation prohibits the use of protein derived from mammals in ruminant animal feed. There are, however, certain exceptions to the rule, including:
- Pure porcine or pure equine protein
- Blood and blood by-products
- Gelatin
- Milk products (milk and milk protein)
- Inspected meat products which have been cooked and offered for human food or further heat processed for animal feed use.
Feed Additives
Feed additives may be used to prevent or treat diseases or parasites, and in some cases promote growth if they have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Producers should use medicated feed very carefully. No one, including a veterinarian, can legally prescribe the use of any feed additive other than as directed on the product label.
Extra–label use of feed additives is illegal and strictly prohibited.
Exactly what is extra–labeling or off-label drug use? Extra–label drug use is using animal health products in a manner not specified on the label. Examples include using a product at higher doses or in different species than stated on the label. A veterinarian’s prescription is needed for any extra–label drug use.
Extra–label drug use does not apply to feed additives or feed medications. Many medicated feeds, including milk replacer, have withdrawal times that must be strictly followed.
Fats
Just as with grain and forage, steps should be taken to ensure that purchased fats and oils do not contain a residue. Discuss the quality of product with suppliers and request information concerning the quality, stability, efficacy, and consistency of the product.
A reputable dealer should already be testing his product for the following contaminants: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (CHCs), pesticides, heavy metals, Salmonella and Tall Oil (Hydrocarbon). Before purchasing any fat or oil, ask the supplier if the products have been tested.
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Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
2116 Broadwater Ave., Suite 307/11
Billings, MT 59102,
406-896-9068,
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59718,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu