Includes commercial references
Ionophores are feed additives used in beef production to improve energy efficiency and prevent diseases in cattle. They are not human-grade antibiotics and do not contribute to antibiotic resistance in cattle or humans. The majority of ionophores are fed to finishing cattle, but they can be fed to all classes of cattle.
Note the chart of coccidiosis treatments and prevention products.
Source: BEEF, September 13, 2026. Link. Ionophores are often used to control coccidiosis due to Eimeria bovis and E. zuernii in young or weaned calves until their natural immunity develops to fight off infections. Weaning time, especially during fall of the year when adverse weather or limited water supplies can impact a calf’s nutritional transition, is a critical time for coccidiosis in the cattle herd.
Image: Link.
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