Feed manufacturers provide both medicated and non-medicated feeds, depending on the producer s requirements. Only approved medications at specified levels can be added to feed, or at levels that have been prescribed by a veterinarian. Feed manufacturers play an important role in the food safety chain by ensuring that the right medications at the correct levels are weighed, that these medications are homogeneously mixed into feed, that all forms of cross contamination are prevented, and that the final product is labeled with proper directions for use including withdrawal times as required. Their representatives have comprehensive product knowledge and are a valuable source of information to producers. Since animal health products are used when necessary to treat and prevent disease, the Canadian Animal Health Institute and its members also have a role to play in food safety.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers invest heavily in research to develop new products.
Every animal care product must undergo extensive testing before being introduced to the marketplace. With years of trials combined with strict government requirements, it takes pharmaceutical companies an average of 10-12 years to bring a new product from discovery to the marketplace in Canada. Research conducted by an animal health company includes extensive testing to ensure human and animal safety. The manufacturers collect this information by conducting numerous studies over many years in the product development phase. Animal health companies also have qualified veterinarians on-staff.