What are growth promoting hormones and why are they used?
Growth promoting hormones (also called growth promotants) are typically small pellets about the size of a pencil eraser which are implanted under the skin on the back of an animal’s ear. The pellets release tiny amounts of hormones, which safely dissolve as treatment is completed. Growth promotants are approved by the FDA. For more than 50 years, they have helped cattle producers safely meet the increasing consumer demand for lean beef. Typically, cattle raised with growth promotants can have up to 18 percent more lean muscle than other cattle, with an equal decrease in fat.
