Beta-agonists for Market Steers

Beta-agonists for Market Steers

Purpose of the Presentation

Outline importance of understanding Beta-agonist use in

youth market steer/heifer projects and the beef industry

Provide education regarding the background, research and

proper administration of Beta-agonist feed ingredients in

youth market steer/heifer projects

Offer considerations for communicating with the general

public and various forms of media

Identify potential resources for educational and

communication efforts

Importance of Education

Increased National discussion of Beta-agonist use in youth

market steer/heifer projects and the beef industry

Beta-agonist feed ingredients are FDA approved for use in

youth market steers/heifers. Exhibitors, parents,

volunteers, County Extension Agents and Agriculture

Science Teachers may have the opportunity to discuss

Beta-agonist use with interested parties.

Educated clientele are more likely to identify and clarify

misinformation regarding Beta-agonist use in market

steer/heifer projects and the beef industry

Considerations and Initiatives for 2013-2014

AST’s/CEA’s, livestock project volunteers and exhibitors will be in public settings with livestock. The livestock show provide an excellent opportunity to engage the public regarding livestock production practices.

Uncertainty regarding short-term and long-term future of zilpaterol hydrochloride in market show animals. Will Zilmax® return to the market for the 2014 spring shows or in the future.

“Quality Counts” curriculum with supplemental pieces

3 Voice over PowerPoint presentations

Add 100 “growth enhancing technology” related verification questions by November 1, 2013(only applies to students due to take verification)

*note 100 questions added to question bank to be randomly drawn questions for verification exam.

Marketing show cattle at the county and state level. Livestock shows could possibly have to strategically market cattle potentially fed zilpaterol hydrochloride

Background of Beta-agonists in the U.S.

- Approved by FDA

- Available and used since 2003 in U.S. fed cattle - Optaflexx 2003 and Zilmax™ 2006

- Fed for 20-42 days (depending on additive) at the end of the finishing

phase

- Metabolized quickly

- Increase beef production per animal by 15-30 pounds

- In addition to the United States, beta-agonists are approved for use in Canada and two dozen other countries across the developed world.

Beta-agonists in the U.S.

The US beef industry has done a remarkable job of

maintaining beef production even-though the beef cow

inventory has been shrinking since the mid-70’s.

Beta-agonists have played a part in recent years.

Machen, 2013

So why the attention now?

It is not a food safety issue According to the FDA, these compounds pose no threat to the

safety of the food supply when properly used.

US beef remains a safe wholesome heart-healthy source of protein, B vitamins, zinc and iron.

So why the attention now?

Beta-agonists have been available and included in some finishing rations for beef cattle for over nine years.

Recently, isolated instances of lameness and mobility issues of finished cattle after arrival at a packing plant were alleged to be associated with the feeding of zilpaterol hydrochloride [one of two FDA-approved beta-agonists].

Several other factors could be associated with these observations of immobility: heat, genetics, feed regimen, feed ingredients, handling cattle in transport and in staging areas at processing plants.

Machen, 2013

So why the attention now?

For now, the manufacturer of zilpaterol hydrochloride has voluntarily suspended distribution while the company and independent experts determine potential causes of lameness and other mobility issues that have been reported.

Beta-agonists are not growth hormones or antibiotics. When fed to beef cattle late in the finishing phase, they direct nutrients toward muscle at the expense of fat accumulation. Thus cattle can be efficiently fed 3-4 weeks longer and gain an additional 15-30 pounds of carcass weight… which translates into more retail beef yield.

Machen, 2013

Read the label!!!

Any off label use of a feed additive is strictly prohibited by the FDA!!! Even veterinarians can not prescribe off-label use

DAILY DOSAGE and length of feeding is critical

*Feeding excessive (above label) is not only illegal but scientifically proven not to increase performance. Illegal, unethical, waste of money and a direct contradiction to the mission and objectives of 4-H/FFA *

Both products are labeled for use in market steers or market heifers.

Always read and follow the label!!!

Optaflexx™ – Ractopamine for Cattle (2003 FDA Approval)

A feed additive which accelerates muscle growth through

increased feed efficiency (14%)

Fed during the last 28-42 days of the feeding period

Repartitions nutrients targeted for fat deposition to protein

synthesis

Research indicate ½ square inch increase in Ribeye area and a

slight increase in overall muscle conformation

Trials indicate that it does not affect fat thickness

No withdrawal period (consider stock rules regarding zero

tolerance and completely out of animals system)

Steers should be adequately finished (fat

deposition and within 28-42 days of endpoint)

prior to use

Steers that are borderline straight (post-

legged) may become worse with the increased

weight and muscle mass

Optaflexx™ – Feeding Considerations

Zilmax™ (2006 FDA Approval)

Feed additive which redirects energy utilization in the body to

cause an increase in the amount of muscle

Fed during the last 20-40 days on feed

3-day withdrawal period

Ribeye area increased by 1.25 in2 and an increase in overall

muscle conformation

Research indicates a reduction in fat thickness, decrease

marbling and reduction in tenderness

Steers should be adequately finished (fat

deposition and within 28-42 days of endpoint)

prior to use

Steers that are borderline straight (post-

legged) may become worse with the increased

weight and muscle mass

Zilmax™ – Feeding Considerations

Effect of Optaflexx™ and Zilmax™ on

Feedlot Gain and Carcass Quality

Optaflexx Zilmax

Weight Gain 15 lbs 18 lbs

Ribeye Area .5 in 1.25 in

Fat Thickness None .1 in

Quality Grade None

Zilmax™ and Optaflexx™ are not labeled

for use in cattle intended for breeding!!

Therefore-it is illegal!!

Carefully evaluate each steer individually

Cattle that are average muscled and

structurally sound make good candidates for

implanting and/or feeding growth enhancing

feed additives.

We must be proactive

Monitor market beef projects and educate

Still Sound

Too Straight?

Good Candidate?

Absolutely!

What about him?

Just Fine

Potential Risk?

Many of the calves not making the sale at

major and county livestock shows also received

implants, Zilmax™, and Optaflexx™!

These products do not work miracles!

Zilmax™ and Optaflexx™ are labeled only for

market steers and market heifers!

Shaffergoldrush.com

Take Home Points

According to the FDA, these compounds pose no threat to the safety of the food supply when properly used.

Both compounds have been made available to youth exhibitors in a form that allows for proper dosage and administration.

Part of the learning process for youth exhibitors involves the responsible administration of FDA-approved pharmaceuticals under the guidance of an instructor, veterinarian, or parent.

These products are used in a beef production setting and understanding new technology is an important part of the learning process

The proper care and welfare of animals are primary tenets of animal husbandry.

Take Home Points

The Quality Counts curriculum, developed by Texas A&M

AgriLife Extension and the Texas Education Agency/VATAT,

teaches students about animal care and the proper use of

pharmaceuticals.

All 4-H and FFA students who exhibit at the major livestock

shows in Texas are required to pass a Quality Counts

verification examination prior to participation.

Communicating the Issue

Stick to the facts – Remain Unbiased

Focus on “Best Practices” or “Beef Quality Assurance” not individual products

Don’t Advocate Products but Educate how Growth Enhancing Technologies are used in the Beef Industry

Media Relations

Youth and Educators Speaking with Reporters

Misty Martin-Texas Beef Council

512-335-2333 [email protected]

*note resource intended for media training not positions on issues

Where to Refer Reporters

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Beef or Livestock Specialists

University faculty with expertise in beef cattle

VATAT

Educational Methods

Showmanship and Feeding Clinics

Classroom

Communicating Growth Enhancing Technologies Document

Informational Letters

Email

Individual Contacts with Parents and Exhibitors

Considerations-Preparing for the

Livestock Show

Know the Stock Show Rules – Zero Tolerance

Withdrawal time versus Elimination time

Best Practice to double withdrawal time

Market steers/heifers maintain gained performance due to Beta-

agonist 10 days after last feeding with additive

Most major livestock shows reserve the right to test any market

animal on the grounds at any time. Adjust withdrawal to arrival

date.

Above All: • Promote Youth Development

Through Livestock Projects

• Your Experiences Matter. Tell Your

Livestock Project Story

Available Resources

Quality Counts - http://agrilife.org/qualitycounts/

Texas Trails - http://agrilife.org/qualitycounts/texas-trails/

The Facts about Optaflexx™: Ractopamine for Cattle

http://animalscience.tamu.edu/files/2012/04/beef-

optaflexx.pdf

The Facts about Zilmax™ for Market Show Steers and

Market Show Heifers

http://animalscience.tamu.edu/files/2012/04/beef-zilmax.pdf

Contact People

Dr. Kevin Chilek, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Quality Counts Coordinator. Email: [email protected]

Dr. Jason Cleere, Beef Cattle Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Email: [email protected]

Mr. Barney McClure, Executive Director, Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas. Email: [email protected]

Mr. Kevin Swor, Ag Science Teacher, Diboll High School, 2013-2014 Animal Industries Committee Chair. Email: [email protected]

Dr. Billy Zanolini, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Youth Livestock and Agriculture. Email: [email protected]

Mr. Stephen Zoeller, County Extension Agent, Kendall County, 2013-2014 Animal Industries Committee Chair Email: [email protected]

Questions