Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a class of growth promoting technologies used for feeding cull cows?

1. Ionophores

2. Implants

3. Beta-agonists

4. Probiotics

The correct answer is: Probiotics

In the context of growth-promoting technologies used for feeding cull cows, probiotics are not typically classified as a growth promoter in the same way as ionophores, implants, and beta-agonists. Ionophores, for instance, are used primarily to improve feed efficiency and promote growth by altering the fermentation process in the rumen, which can lead to increased energy availability. Implants also aim to enhance growth rates by providing hormones that promote muscle development and weight gain. Beta-agonists are substances that promote muscle growth and feed efficiency, primarily by redirecting energy away from fat accumulation. On the other hand, while probiotics can be beneficial for enhancing gut health and improving overall animal well-being, they do not directly function as growth promoters. Instead, their primary role is to promote a healthy microbiome in the digestive tract, which can indirectly contribute to animal performance but is not categorized under traditional growth-promoting technologies aimed at increasing production in the same direct manner as the other options listed. Thus, recognizing the distinct roles of these technologies clarifies why probiotics do not fit into the same category as ionophores, implants, and beta-agonists for the specific purpose of promoting growth in cull cows.