30 June 2011
SUMMIT, NJ, June 30, 2011 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the use of the Tri-Merit® Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) program, allowing U.S. beef to be exported to the European Union (EU). This claim ensures cattle have not received any implants or feed additives that include growth hormones or any other type of hormones for the duration of the animal’s life.
“Receiving USDA approval for our NHTC program is an exciting addition to the scope of services we offer,” said Tucker Schumacher, Global Animal Management marketing manager for Tri-Merit. “Verifying cattle as free of hormones and antibiotics will increase overall supply and provide for the expanding demand of hormone-free cattle in our industry.”
To qualify for export to the EU, cattle must be verified by a NHTC program. The Tri-Merit NHTC program fully complies with regulations, including growth of cattle in approved feedlots, sufficient documentation of the cow or calf’s eligibility status for trade with the EU and segregation of non-hormonally treated cattle from others at the slaughterhouse. Tri-Merit also performs on-site audits at feedlots and ranches.
“Producers have to provide documentation that they don’t use any type of hormones,” said Schumacher. “We start at the cow-calf level, and also work with feedlots as well.”
The Tri-Merit NHTC program compliments other animal identification approvals for age, source and movement of individual cattle made available by Tri-Merit, providing value-drive verification and traceability practices.
“Like any age and source program, there is a premium pay for NHTC," said Schumacher. "NHTC is another marketing tool for producers that can pay out premiums of up to $150 per head."
Global Animal Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck Animal Health. To learn more about the Tri-Merit NHTC program and other age and source verification services, log on to www.mygamonline.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobalAnimalManagement.
About Merck Animal Health
Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com.
