Walmart is urging U.S. suppliers to curb the use of antibiotics and improve treatment of livestock. They’re asking meat producers, eggs suppliers and others to use antibiotics only for disease prevention or treatment, not as growth promotants. Minnesota Pork Executive Director Dave Preisler says this is already happening under the new FDA Drug Guidance.

Walmart’s guidelines are also aimed at phasing out gestation crates and other housing that doesn’t give animals enough space. Suppliers are also being asked to avoid practices like de-horning or castration without proper pain management. However, Preisler says that may not be realistic.

WalMart wants suppliers to provide an annual report on progress, report animal abuse to authorities and take disciplinary action.

The retailer is not putting deadlines on suppliers and the steps aren’t mandatory.