Some romanticize nature and the perfection of the flora and fauna associated with various organisms, however the article cites in my last contribution may cause some to pause. In the case of a number of farm animals (not exactly 'nature', I admit) adjusting those organisms using some common antibiotics improves growth and general health and is also proven to result in less waste of feed. (Hopefully the usual argument that this subject provokes will occur under this subject header and not hijack the pesticide thread). --- The benefits of the antibiotic growth promoters arise from their principal mode of action which aims to manipulate the microbial flora of the intestinal tract in most species as well as the rumen of ruminants. The result of this interaction with the organisms of the gut is improved digestion, metabolism and absorption of an array of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. In addition, and as a result of enhanced utilisation of their diets, supplemented animals need less feed and produce less waste. The benefits can be broadly categorised into environmental, performance improvement, disease control, prevention of metabolic and fermentation disorders, and a set of other related benefits. From http://www.animalhealthalliance.org.au/files/animalhealth/information/The%20Role%20of%20enteric%20antibiotics%20in%20livestock%20production.pdf *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm