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Monensin
Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary
Monensin is a veterinary drug — Broad-spectrum antibiotic from Streptomyces cinnamonensis used in cattle feed to speed growth
What it does
Broad-spectrum antibiotic from Streptomyces cinnamonensis used in cattle feed to speed growth
Where you'll see it
beef cattle feed
What the research says
Toxic in horses; large doses in cattle cause sudden death from heart failure. Increases chances of nitrite poisoning in ruminants fed on high-nitrate rations.
Regulatory status
- Notes: Not to be used in horses (toxic; causes sudden death)
Sources
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): A broad-spectrum antibiotic, obtained from the actinomycete Streptomyces cinnamonensis and used chiefly as an additive to beef cattle feed