The cattle industry is heavily regulated and that is a good thing. At Flying H Genetics, we know codes and regulations like the back of our hand. We would not be in this business for 65 plus years if we didn’t adhere to such rules. To be successful in this industry, you have to respect regulations but also be willing to embrace innovation. Sometimes there are developments that incorporate both of those things, such as the latest news that new pain control medication for livestock has hit the North American market in November.
Alexis Kienlen of the Manitoba Co-Operator writes, “A Calgary-based company has created a pain control drug that could be a game changer for the North American cattle and horse industries. Oral Meloxicam, a tasteless liquid that can be administered orally or added to feed, is the first paint control medication developed for livestock in North America.”
The drug, created by Alberta Vet Laboratories, is being used primarily for castration and, in some instances, dehorning. It has also proven to be effective in combating other forms of pain. The demand for the drug was high as industry insiders wanted pain control medication, easy to administer, that could be applied to various situations. Not just that though: they also wanted a drug that wasn’t too expensive. Oral Meloxicam seems to satisfy all of those things.
As we mentioned above, the drug has proven to be effective so far, but perhaps the greater appeal is to the public who demands the humane treatment of animals. Merle Olson, founder and vice-president of research and business development with Alberta Vet Laboratories, sums it up best: “We felt the most important thing was registration for pain control. The words ‘pain control’ are important for our industry. That’s what the public wanted and it’s important for the sustainability of our industry.”
We couldn’t agree more.
