Source:CHOICES MAGAZINE, Jan., 2015

In the United States today, antibiotics are commonly used in food animals to promote growth and prevent disease, as well as to treat sick animals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 14.6 million kg. (32.2 million lbs.) of antibiotics were sold for use in animals in 2012 (FDA, 2014), more than four times the 3.29 million kg. (7.3 million lbs.) of antibiotics sold for human use in 2011 (FDA, 2012). Antibiotics are used primarily in intensive swine, poultry, and feedlot cattle systems, with limited use in dairy cows, sheep, and companion animals.

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