Zilmax®
zilpaterol hydrochloride 4.8%
Zilmax is a beef improvement technology to add value to the entire U.S. beef system by helping the industry more efficiently produce a safe, quality product. Zilmax is a feed supplement that enables an animal’s natural metabolism to more efficiently convert feed energy to lean, healthy, delicious beef.
Zilmax is designed to improve production efficiencies in both steers and heifers during the last 20 days of the feeding period prior to harvest.
When fed at the recommended 20 days, Zilmax improves live weight gain and feed efficiency. Zilmax-fed cattle showed an improvement in carcass weight gain of 24 to 33 lb. and dressing percentage of about 1.4 percentage points. Further, when fed a 20-day period, Zilmax doubled the percentage of Yield Grade 1 cattle and cut in half the number of Yield Grade 4 and 5 cattle with minimal effects on quality grade.
Consumers enjoy a quality eating experience with Zilmax. Results from the largest consumer beef sensory study ever conducted confirms beef from Zilmax-fed cattle tested no difference in overall acceptability compared to the control group. Acceptability categories included juiciness, flavor, tenderness and overall acceptability. In each category, Zilmax fed beef tested similarly to the control group.
The additional beef from two Zilmax supplemented cattle supports the annual beef consumption for a U.S. consumer, with no additional resources of land, feed, animals, water or carbon energy required. That’s good for our environment.
In order to achieve the feeding efficiencies and carcass value gains, while delivering a positive eating experience for consumers, Merck Animal Health encourages cattle feeders to focus on three best practice areas for feeding Zilmax: selecting the cattle type that ideally benefits from Zilmax, feeding for the right period of time, and marketing the cattle on a carcass value basis.
Efficacy
Zilmax consistently delivers from 24-33 pounds of additional carcass weight. In heifers, hot carcass weight increases an average of 25 pounds with a dressed yield increase of 1.3%. In Steers, the hot carcass weight increase is 33 pounds on average and dressed yield increases 1.4%. Calf-fed Holsteins have an average of 24 pounds increase in hot carcass weight and more than double increase in Yield Grade 1 cattle.
Zilmax Cattle Feeder Outcomes Include:
- 24-33 pounds additional hot carcass weight
- Increase in live weight from 11-19 pounds
- Improved dressing percentage of up to 1.4 points
- Increased Yield Grades 1 and 2
- Decreased Yield Grades 4 and 5
- Slight reduction in Choice + Prime
Safety
Zilmax has been used globally for over fourteen years, in countries including South Africa, Mexico, Canada, USA and South Korea. Millions of head of beef cattle have been supplemented with Zilmax, providing beef for hundreds of millions of people, with zero human food safety issues or animal safety concerns.
Administration and Dosage
Feed Zilmax at 6.8 grams per ton (90% dry matter basis) for the last 20 days on the sole ration of feed to provide 60 to 90 mg zilpaterol hydrochloride per head per day. There is a three day feed withdrawal prior to harvest. Zilmax cattle can be harvested up to seven days following the three day withdrawal, and maintain the performance benefits.
Residue Warning
There is a three day feed withdrawal for Zilmax.
Caution
Zilmax is not for use in animals intended for breeding. Do not allow horses or other equines access to feeds containing Zilpaterol. Do not use in veal calves. For complete information refer to product label.
Contact information
Contact your Merck Animal Health Sales Representative for more information. Call Zilmax customer service at 1-800-521-5767.
Website
www.zilmax.com
Product Label(s) and MSDS
