BIOMOLECULES AND ENZYMES

Detailed explanation-1: -Hormones are chemical compounds produced in a specific region and transported to another region in the animal body to perform the compound’s specific physiological function(s). In the U.S., the only hormone product approved by the FDA as a feed additive for beef cattle is melengestrol acetate (MGA).

Detailed explanation-2: -Since the 1950s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of steroid hormone drugs for use in beef cattle and sheep, including natural estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and their synthetic versions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Why are hormones used in food production? Certain hormones can make young animals gain weight faster. They help reduce the waiting time and the amount of feed eaten by an animal before slaughter in meat industries. In dairy cows, hormones can be used to increase milk production.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hormones are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for specific classes of animals only, and cannot be used in non-approved classes.