Editing Meat (section)

=== Human intervention ===

Meat producers may seek to improve the [[fertility]] of female animals through the administration of [[Gonadotropic cell|gonadotrophic]] or [[ovulation]]-inducing [[hormone]]s. In pig production, [[Domestic pig|sow]] infertility is a common problem – possibly due to excessive fatness. No methods currently exist to augment the fertility of male animals. [[Artificial insemination]] is now routinely used to produce animals of the best possible genetic quality, and the efficiency of this method is improved through the administration of hormones that synchronize the ovulation cycles within groups of females.{{sfn|Lawrie|Ledward|2006|pp=31–33}}

[[Growth hormone]]s, particularly [[Anabolism|anabolic]] agents such as [[steroid]]s, are used in some countries to accelerate muscle growth in animals.{{sfn|Lawrie|Ledward|2006|pp=31–33}} This practice has given rise to the [[beef hormone controversy]], an international trade dispute. It may decrease the tenderness of meat, although research on this is inconclusive, and have other effects on the composition of the muscle flesh.{{sfn|Lawrie|Ledward|2006|pp=35–39}} Where [[castration]] is used to improve control over male animals, its side effects can be counteracted by the administration of hormones.{{sfn|Lawrie|Ledward|2006|pp=31–33}} [[Myostatin]] has been used to produce [[Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy|muscle hypertrophy]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Aiello |first1=D. |last2=Patel |first2=K. |last3=Lasagna |first3=E. |title=The myostatin gene: an overview of mechanisms of action and its relevance to livestock animals |journal=Animal Genetics |date=December 2018 |volume=49 |issue=6 |pages=505–519 |doi=10.1111/age.12696 |pmid=30125951 |s2cid=52051853 |url=https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/77388/1/Aiello_et_al_revised_not_highlighted.pdf }}</ref>

[[Sedative]]s may be administered to animals to counteract stress factors and increase weight gain. The feeding of [[antibiotics]] to certain animals increases growth rates. This practice is particularly prevalent in the US, but has been banned in the EU, partly because it causes [[antimicrobial resistance]] in [[pathogen]]ic microorganisms.{{sfn|Lawrie|Ledward|2006|pp=35–39}}