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UNL study: Zilmax has no noticeable detrimental effect

A research study conducted in Nebraska concludes that the cattle feed additive Zilmax has no noticeable detrimental effect on cattle health or well-being.

The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. The study was undertaken after the maker of Zilmax, Merck Animal Health, temporarily suspended sales of the beta-agonist last year when concerns emerged that it might cause lameness in cattle.

During the 26-day study, scientists collected blood, via catheters; body temperature; and video images from 20 heifers. They were divided into two groups, with half receiving Zilmax at the recommended dose and half not receiving it. On the last day of the trial, four days after Zilmax supplementation was discontinued, heifers were exposed to a simulated stress event to mimic the stress response that would be anticipated in cattle being shipped from the feedlot to packing plant.  At the conclusion of the trial, heifers were harvested at UNL and their hearts, liver, lungs, kidneys and adrenal glands were studied.

“Overall, the results of this trial indicate that while there are variations in the body temperature, endocrine and metabolic parameters and histopathology of major organs of Zilmax supplemented heifers, these differences are minor and show no indication that supplementation of Zilmax is detrimental to the health or well-being of cattle,” says UNL animal scientist Ty Schmidt.

Schmidt discusses the study and the results in this interview with Brownfield.

AUDIO: Ty Schmidt (5:57 MP3)

Link to UNL news release

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