- Editor: John M Harper
- Author: Morgan Doran
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
- Author: John M Harper
I'm reposting this from ASI as it's important for all livestock producers.
AMIF Releases Updated Animal Handling Guidelines
The American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF) on Wednesday released an updated version of the AMIF Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide: A Systematic Approach to Animal Welfare, July 2013 Edition.
A summary of the changes are detailed on page four of the new document and include:
- A clarification has been added that farrowing on trucks should be counted just as calving and lambing are.
- A new category called "ambulatory disabled animals" has been added to Core Criteria Six of the Transportation Audit to track animals that can still walk and are not severely injured, but appear lame and have some impairment of movement.
- Under Core Criteria 2 of the Sheep Transportation Audit, an omission of "compartments gated" was corrected.
To access the new guidelines, visit www.AnimalHandling.org.