Why are magnets administered to cattle?

Prepare for the iCEV Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to secure your certification!

Cattle often ingest foreign materials, such as wire, bolts, or other metallic objects, while grazing. Over time, these materials can accumulate in their digestive system, potentially leading to serious health issues, such as hardware disease, which is caused by the accumulation of sharp metals that can puncture the stomach lining or other organs.

To address this risk, veterinarians administer magnets to cattle. When ingested, these magnets attract and hold onto metallic foreign objects, preventing them from causing harm within the digestive tract. This method is an effective preventive measure against the complications that can arise from unwanted metallic debris, greatly reducing the risk of injury and associated health problems.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of magnet administration in cattle. Improving digestion, preventing infection, and enhancing nutrient absorption are not direct effects of magnet ingestion. The primary role of the magnets is to ensure the safety and health of the cattle by managing the risks associated with foreign metal objects.

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