Which of the following is true regarding the selling of livestock?

The statement regarding the mandatory veterinary testing for livestock sold off the farm is accurate and underscores an important aspect of livestock sales. This requirement is in place to ensure the health and safety of the animals, as well as to protect the broader agricultural environment and public health. Testing for diseases helps to prevent the spread of pathogens that can affect not only livestock but also human health and food safety.

Veterinary testing can include checks for contagious diseases and parasites, which can be critical when livestock are being moved from one location to another. Such regulations are often enforced by state and federal authorities, depending on the type of livestock and the jurisdiction, to maintain herd health and safeguard the food supply chain.

Other options do not reflect current livestock selling practices. For example, the notion that there are no testing requirements for farm-sold livestock is misleading; various states may have different regulations, but typically, some form of health certification is required even for farm-to-farm sales. The idea that only steers require testing is also inaccurate as testing protocols usually apply across various types of livestock regardless of sex. Lastly, saying prices for steers and bulls are the same overlooks the market dynamics where pricing is influenced by several factors including breed, age, market demand, and specific use cases.