HGP Quiz

What are Hormonal Growth Promotants (HGPs)?

• Vitamins and minerals given to cattle for better health

• Supplements of hormones that naturally occur in all cattle

• Synthetic chemicals used to increase weight gain in cattle

• Antibiotics used to treat cattle diseases

Why are HGPs used in the cattle industry?

• To improve the taste of beef

• To increase productivity and minimise environmental impacts

• To decrease feed intake in cattle

• To reduce weight gain in cattle

Who uses HGPs?

• Only feedlot industry in NSW

• Only beef producers in Northern Australia

• Only grass fattened cattle producers in NSW

• All beef producers at many rural retail outlets

What are the hormone levels in beef from cattle given HGPs?

• Lower than common foods like chicken and pork

• Negligible difference compared to untreated cattle

• Slightly higher than common foods like eggs and milk

• Much higher than common foods like soybean oil and cabbage

Are HGPs safe for us and the animals?

• No, they are harmful to animals but safe for humans

• Yes, they are safe for animals but harmful to humans

• Yes, they are safe for human consumption

• No, they are harmful to both humans and animals

Do HGPs affect meat quality?

• No, they have no effect on meat quality

• Yes, they make the meat tougher and less juicy

• Yes, they can affect tenderness of some cuts but can be managed

• Yes, they improve the taste and tenderness of the meat

Answer explanation

Are there any environmental benefits in treating cattle with HGPs?

• Yes, they increase greenhouse emissions

• Yes, they decrease total lifetime greenhouse emissions

• No, they increase the need for more feed and water

• No, they have no impact on environmental sustainability

Are HGPs used in other countries?

• No, they are only used in Australia

• Yes, they are registered for use in many countries

• Yes, they are only used in European Union

• No, they are banned in all countries except Australia

If HGPs were not used, what would happen to the Australian cattle herd?

• It would decrease by two million head

• It would decrease by seven percent

• It would increase by seven percent

• It would remain the same

What is the main reason for using HGPs in the cattle industry?

• To improve the taste of beef

• To increase productivity and minimise environmental impacts

• To decrease the cost of feed

• To increase the size of cattle