General information about the use of Beta agonists in Show Steers. Use of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride and Optiflexx in Show Steers. FDA approval and where the use of these compounds currently stands.

1. Beta-agonists for Market Steers

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!!!

11. Optaflexx™ – Ractopamine for Cattle
(2003 FDAApproval)
 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)

12.  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

13. Zilmax™
(2006 FDAApproval)
 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

14.  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

15. 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 

16. Zilmax™ and Optaflexx™ are not labeled
for use in cattle intended for breeding!!
Therefore-it is illegal!!

17. 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

19. Still Sound

20. Too Straight?

21. Good Candidate?

22. Absolutely!

23. What about him?

24. Just Fine

25. Potential Risk?

26. 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!

27. Zilmax™ and Optaflexx™ are labeled only for
market steers and market heifers!
Shaffergoldrush.com

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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 mistym@txbeef.org
 *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

31. Educational Methods
 Showmanship and Feeding Clinics
 Classroom
 Communicating Growth Enhancing Technologies
Document
 Informational Letters
 Email
 Individual Contacts with Parents and Exhibitors

32. 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.

33. Above All:
• Promote Youth Development
Through Livestock Projects
• Your Experiences Matter. Tell Your
Livestock Project Story

34. 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

35. Contact People
 Dr. Kevin Chilek, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Quality Counts
Coordinator. Email: k-chilek@tamu.edu
 Dr. Jason Cleere, Beef Cattle Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Email:
jjcleere@ag.tamu.edu
 Mr. Barney McClure, Executive Director, Vocational Agriculture Teachers
Association of Texas. Email: barney@vatat.org
 Mr. Kevin Swor, Ag Science Teacher, Diboll High School, 2013-2014 Animal
Industries Committee Chair. Email: kswor@dibollisd.com
 Dr. Billy Zanolini, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Youth Livestock
and Agriculture. Email: wfzanolini@ag.tamu.edu
 Mr. Stephen Zoeller, County Extension Agent, Kendall County, 2013-2014
Animal Industries Committee Chair Email: szoeller@ag.tamu.edu

36. Questions