FDA approves combination clearances for feeds containing Zilmax, MGA®, Rumensin® and Tylan®
MILLSBORO, Del. (April 17, 2008) — Intervet Inc. announces combination approvals for its performance-technology product, Zilmax. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of cattle feeds containing five different combinations of Zilmax (Zilpaterol Hydrochloride), MGA (Melengestrol Acetate), Rumensin (Monensin, USP) and Tylan (Tylosin Phosphate).
The five combinations to receive FDA approvals are:
- Zilmax, Rumensin and Tylan
- Zilmax and Rumensin
- Zilmax and MGA
- Zilmax, MGA and Rumensin
- Zilmax, MGA, Rumensin and Tylan
These five new combination clearances enable cattle feeders to more easily incorporate Zilmax into popular steer- and heifer-feeding programs, providing feeders the opportunity to realize the potential value of Zilmax when fed to the right cattle, for the right amount of time and for the right market.
“These new combinations allow Zilmax to be formulated into current feeding protocols for both heifers and steers,” says John Hutcheson, Ph.D., Intervet Director of Performance Technologies. “Cattle feeders now are able to streamline the implementation of Zilmax at the feed yard with simplified rations.”
Now Ideal for Heifers
“With the inclusion of MGA, these combination approvals open the door for Zilmax to be utilized in the fed-heifer market,” Hutcheson says. “Many cattle feeders utilize MGA in their heifer-feeding programs. Being able to add Zilmax to the rations will bring improvement in yield grades, carcass weights and ribeye area, which is a great benefit to heifers.”
Until now, the technology’s adoption has been primarily in the fed-steer market. Having the ability to incorporate Zilmax into current heifer rations gives cattle feeders greater flexibility, says Hutcheson. Intervet believes Zilmax could be a great benefit to the heifer market.
Since August 2006, Intervet has conducted extensive post-approval research on more than 18,000 head of cattle to evaluate the full potential and value of the feed ingredient in U.S. cattle-feeding conditions. Hutcheson says Intervet plans to build upon its current data with additional research on feeding Zilmax to heifers in combination with MGA, Rumensin and Tylan.
Easier Adoption for Steers
For cattle feeders utilizing Rumensin and Tylan in steer rations, they now have the ability to add Zilmax for improved performance.
“Many cattle feeders have a comfort level with Rumensin and Tylan in their rations. With the addition of Zilmax, these cattlemen will benefit from additional production efficiencies and carcass weight gain to the performance they currently see,” Hutcheson adds.
Hutcheson reminds the industry that research consistently shows 20 days is the ideal feeding period for incorporating Zilmax into feeding programs. The right cattle, right time and right market are essential to realizing the true value of this performance product, he says.
Feed manufacturers can download the Blue Bird labels for all the combination supplements at www.zilmax.com.
About Zilmax
Zilmax is a feed ingredient that enables a beef animal’s natural metabolism to more efficiently convert feed to protein. It is designed to improve production efficiencies, such as average daily gain and feed efficiency, in steers and heifers during the last 20 to 40 days of the feeding period prior to harvest.
When fed in the recommended 20-day program for steers and heifers, studies indicate Zilmax improves live weight gain and feed efficiency. Zilmax-fed cattle showed an improvement in carcass weight gain of 25-30 pounds 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.
About Intervet
Intervet is a leading global supplier of beef production technologies and maintains an intensive research and development effort in this field. Zilmax is the latest innovation demonstrating Intervet’s commitment to health and performance technologies that benefit the beef industry.
For more information about Zilmax and the full line of Intervet cattle products, contact Intervet customer service at 1-800-441-8272 or visit www.intervetusa.com and www.zilmax.com.