Sales of Gain Boosting Product for Cattle Suspended

Editor's Note: The following was prepared by my colleague, Morgan Doran, UC Cooperative Extension, on August 20, 2013.

Over the past few weeks there has been a controversy brewing over the use of Zilmax

(zilpaterol hydrochloride) in feedlot cattle.  Zilmax is one of two products that cattle feeders began using in 2012 to boost the lean muscle gain.  The other product is Optaflexx and both products are generically called beta-agonists.  The use of these beta-agonists resulted in an average weight increase of 19 pounds, or 2.2% per head.

In recent weeks incidences of extremely lame cattle have surfaced and Zilmax is suspected as the cause.  Out of concerns for animal welfare Tyson will place a moratorium on purchasing cattle fed Zilmax.  This comes on the heels of an announcement by Merck Animal Health that they will temporarily suspend sales of Zilmax.  Merck Animal Health is working with the FDA on this issue and is planning an audit by independent scientific experts on the feeding of Zilmax and its effect on animal welfare.

The immediate impact of the suspended use of Zilmax will likely be reduced beef production in feedlots.  This will be buffered by feeders switching to Optiplexx, but gains are not as large as with Zilmax.  Supply and demand principles tell us that reduced beef production results in price increases, but we will have to wait to see how it plays out.

More information on this issue can be found at these web sites:

Rueters article, August 16, 2013

Daily Livestock Report, August 19, 2013