The Canadian Cattlemen's Association

Canada has one of the healthiest national cattle herds and one of the most wholesome beef products in the world.

Producers use livestock medication and vaccination products to make sure their cattle are healthy. Antibiotics are used in cattle production to treat disease. These products go through the same rigorous testing as products licensed for human use.

Implanting a growth-enhancing hormone in the ears of cattle helps produce leaner beef. When an implant is used, hormones are gradually released into the bloodstream to increase lean beef production by 10% to 15%. This lowers the cost of beef to consumers.

The human body continuously produces hormones in quantities substantially greater than that which would be consumed by eating beef. For example, scientific studies show no significant difference between the amount of estrogen in cattle treated with a growth-promoting implant and the amount found in an untreated animal.

Estrogen content in some common foods

Steer (beef) implanted	100 g (3 1/2 oz)	1.4 - 2.5*
Steer (beef) non-implanted	100 g (3 1/2 oz)	1.2 - 2.0*
Cabbage	100 g (3 1/2 oz)	2,400*
Peas	100 g (3 1/2 oz)	400*
Wheat germ	15 ml (1 tbsp.)	152*
Soy bean oil	15 ml (1 tbsp.)	28,370*
Milk	250 ml (1 cup)	34*

* Measurements are in nanograms. A nanogram is one billionth of a gram, which can be compared to one blade of grass in an entire football field.

Canadian producers have an excellent long-standing reputation for compliance with Canadian regulations for antibiotics, pesticides and hormones based on the random and suspect residue testing program.

The industry took a lead role in developing a Code of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals: Beef Cattle. This document is the result of expertise held by the provincial cattle organizations, government and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.

The Federal Health of Animals Act regulates the care and handling of livestock throughout the industry. This includes the humane treatment of cattle and governs transportation, and the care, handling and disposition of animals at processing plants.

Cattle producers know that badly treated or stressed cattle will not reproduce or grow normally. Any animal owners causing animals unnecessary suffering face monetary fines, possible charges under the Criminal Code and the removal of their animals.