A University of Nebraska study shows no negative health effects from feeding cattle Zilmax. Last year at this time the feed additive was taken off the market due to concerns it caused leg problems and lameness in heavier weight cattle. However, Iowa Beef Council Chair Roger Brummett says it will be difficult to reintroduce the product into the market.
Iowa Cattlemen’s President Ed Greiman says even with the UNL study he thinks cattlemen will shy away from using the product. Plus packers will also dictate the use.
The beta agonist helped cattle gain an additional 30 pounds of weight. Last fall several packers stopped purchasing cattle produced with the use of Zilmax.