Question

1. examine the chart. what happens to the rumen microbial population after cattle are given antibiotics? how might this affect their digestion? 6. discuss the pros and cons to antibiotic use in cattle. 7. do you think that antibiotics should be used in in farming? justify your response. you may use online resources to research this.

Explanation:

1. From the chart, as the antibiotic - treatment days increase, the rumen microbial population percentage decreases. Rumen microbes are crucial for cattle digestion as they help break down plant material. A decrease in their population may lead to reduced digestion efficiency of plant - based feed.
2. Pros of antibiotic use in cattle include preventing and treating bacterial diseases, which can improve animal health and productivity. Cons include the development of antibiotic - resistant bacteria, which can pose a threat to animal and human health, and disruption of the normal gut microbiota as seen with the rumen microbes.
3. The use of antibiotics in farming is a complex issue. Those in favor may argue that it helps maintain animal health and productivity, reducing economic losses. Opponents may point to the risk of antibiotic resistance spreading to humans through the food chain and the negative impact on the environment and animal gut health. Justification would depend on weighing these factors, considering alternative methods like better hygiene and vaccination, and long - term implications for public health and the environment.

Answer:

1. The rumen microbial population decreases as the number of antibiotic - treatment days increases. This may reduce the efficiency of cattle digestion of plant - based feed.
2. Pros: Prevent and treat bacterial diseases, improve animal health and productivity. Cons: Development of antibiotic - resistant bacteria, disruption of gut microbiota.
3. It is a complex issue. Arguments for include maintaining animal health and productivity. Arguments against include the risk of antibiotic resistance, negative environmental and gut - health impacts. Justification requires weighing these factors and considering alternatives.