23,00 people die as a direct result from these infections, while many more die from complications of the infections.6 2.3 Antibiotics in Agriculture In the 1950s, the farming industry changed forever when scientists discovered that adding antibiotics to livestock feed accelerated the growth of animals and was cheaper than then previous methods of growth enhancement. During the beginning of the twentieth century, American farmers could not keep up with the demand.17 The meat industry was steadily increasing prices, puzzling policy makers and angering consumers. In 1917, there were millions of boycotts throughout the United States to protest the prices of meats, which encouraged the USDA to fund research targeted at keeping the food supply on pace with the demand.27 It was known that diets that contained animal derived proteins like fishmeal or cod liver oil produced healthier animals that gained weight quicker. These animal derived protein additives were expensive; especially during World War II. The concentration to finding a solution was focused on finding a protein substitute, but the search quickly shifted to antibiotics when it was discovered that adding them to animal feed increased During livestock’s growth.17 administration of antibiotics in animals, an unforeseen side effect was observed: rates increased in growth of livestock. 7 Farmers were very quick to ditch the proteins and pricey animal’s switch to inexpensive antibiotics. Livestock reached a market weight much quicker and production costs for farmers dramatically dropped. This was an agricultural revolution for farmers running large operations and led to the reliance on antibiotics to promote growth and healthy.12 keep animal’s
23,00 people die as a direct result from these infections, while many more die from complications of the infections.6 2.3 Antibiotics in Agriculture In the 1950s, the farming industry changed forever when scientists discovered that adding antibiotics to livestock feed accelerated the growth of animals and was cheaper than then previous methods of growth enhancement. During the beginning of the twentieth century, American farmers could not keep up with the demand.17 The meat industry was steadily increasing prices, puzzling policy makers and angering consumers. In 1917, there were millions of boycotts throughout the United States to protest the prices of meats, which encouraged the USDA to fund research targeted at keeping the food supply on pace with the demand.27 It was known that diets that contained animal derived proteins like fishmeal or cod liver oil produced healthier animals that gained weight quicker. These animal derived protein additives were expensive; especially during World War II. The concentration to finding a solution was focused on finding a protein substitute, but the search quickly shifted to antibiotics when it was discovered that adding them to animal feed increased livestock’s growth.17 During administration of antibiotics in animals, an unforeseen side effect was observed: rates increased in growth of livestock. 7 Farmers were very quick to ditch the pricey animal’s proteins and switch to inexpensive antibiotics. Livestock reached a market weight much quicker and production costs for farmers dramatically dropped. This was an agricultural revolution for farmers running large operations and led to the reliance on antibiotics to promote growth and keep animal’s healthy.12
Sutherland_Kendra_MPHessay_4_2015.docx