Special Report
Forum explores beta-agonist issues
Issues associated with the use of beta-agonists in beef production were in the spotlight Wednesday at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver.
The Beef Checkoff sponsored a forum on beta-agonists (ractopamine and zilpaterol), which are growth promotants that increase gain and feed efficiency in beef cattle. They’ve become very popular with cattle feeders over the past decade. But some in the industry are starting to wonder about the possible side-effects that beta-agonist usage may be may be having in cattle, such as increased respiratory rates or structural issues such as foot problems.
Nebraska cattle feeder J.D. Alexander, immediate past president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, attended the forum. He tells Brownfield that he’s glad to see the industry taking a proactive approach to the subject. What the industry doesn’t want, Alexander says, is another situation like what occurred with Lean Finely Textured Beef.
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