We understand your interest in knowing how your food is grown and raised and want to give you the information you need to feel good about your beef choices.

Learn more about Zilmax® below

What is Zilmax?

Zilmax® (zilpaterol hydrochloride) is an FDA-approved supplement that helps cattle make the most of what they eat. It improves their natural ability to convert feed into more lean beef1,2,3 that is consistently flavorful, tender and juicy.4,5

Is Zilmax safe for me and my family?

Yes. It is safe for anyone to eat the beef from cattle fed Zilmax. More than 30 years of research and development, as well as rigorous testing, support the safety of Zilmax. The FDA reviewed this research and concluded that the beef from cattle fed Zilmax poses no safety risk to humans.1

Will the quality and taste of my beef be the same?

Yes. Consumers tested and approved beef from cattle fed Zilmax in the largest grilled steak taste-test study ever.4 Consumers find the beef to be flavorful, tender and juicy.4,5

Why is Zilmax needed?

Zilmax is needed to help cattle make the most of what they eat and to keep beef affordable. Cattle farmers work with their nutritionists and veterinarians to make well-informed decisions about which cattle will benefit most from Zilmax. It also helps farmers conserve our natural resources6 because they can raise more beef from fewer cattle. Fewer cattle = less waste, less energy, less land and less water.7

How long has Zilmax been used?

Zilmax has a history of 30 years of research and development. It has been used for nearly 20 years in other countries and in the U.S. since 2007.

Who benefits from the use of Zilmax?

We all do. Zilmax provides value from the farmer to the consumer and helps farmers conserve natural resources6 while raising beef that is:

  • Flavorful, tender and juicy4,5
  • An affordable choice for you and your family8

How does Zilmax work?

Zilmax is a feed supplement that is fed to cattle for a short period of time to help them make the most of what they eat. It improves their natural ability to convert feed into lean beef1,2,3 that is flavorful, tender and juicy.4,5 Farmers work with their nutritionists and veterinarians to make individual, well-informed decisions about which cattle will benefit most from Zilmax.

How does Zilmax help the environment?

Zilmax helps farmers conserve our natural resources6 because they can raise more beef from fewer cattle. Fewer cattle = less waste, less energy, less land and less water.7 With just one bag of Zilmax, farmers can conserve 41,567 gallons of water – a day's worth of drinking water for 80,000 people.9

Is Zilmax safe for the cattle?

Yes. The FDA and other international scientific authorities approved Zilmax as a safe and effective feed supplement for cattle.1 Numerous animal safety and well-being studies confirm Zilmax does not affect the well-being of cattle.1,10,11,12,13,14,15

References

  1. FDA. 2006. Freedom of information summary. Original new animal drug application NADA 141-258. Zilmax (zilpaterol hydrochloride) Type A medicated article for cattle fed in confinement for slaughter. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/FOIADrugSummaries/ucm051412.pdf.   Accessed Apr. 26, 2007.
  2. Hilton, G. G., Garmyn, A. J., Lawrence, T. E., Miller, M. F., Brooks, J. C., Montgomery, T. H., Griffin, D. B., VanOverbeke, D. L., Elam, N. A., Nichols, W. T., Streeter, M. N., Hutcheson, J. P., Allen, D. M., and Yates, D. A. 2010. Effect of zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation on cutability and subprimal yield of beef steer carcasses. Journal of Animal Science 88:1817-1822.
  3. Boler, D. D., Holmer, S. F., McKeith, F. K., Killefer, J., VanOverbeke, D. L., Hilton, G. G., Delmore, R. J., Beckett, J. L., Brooks, J. C., Miller, R. K., Griffin, D. B., Savell, J. W., Lawrence, T. E., Elam, N. A., Streeter, M. N., Nichols, W. T., Hutcheson, J. P., Yates, D. A., and Allen, D. M. 2009. Effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride for twenty to forty days on carcass cutability and subprimal yield of calf-fed Holstein steers. Journal of Animal Science 87:3722-3729.
  4. Mehaffey, J. M., Brooks, J. C., Rathmann, R. J., Alsup, E. A., Hutcheson, J. P., Nichols, W. T., Streeter, M. N., Yates, D. A., Johnson, B. J., and Miller, M. F. 2009. Effect of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride to beef and calf-fed Holstein cattle on consumer palatability ratings. Journal of Animal Science 87:3712-3721.
  5. Hilton, G. G., Montgomery, J. L., Krehbiel, C. R., Yates, D. A., Hutcheson, J. P., Nichols, W. T., Streeter, M. N., Blanton, Jr., J. R., and Miller, M. F. 2009. Effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride with and without monensin and tylosin on carcass cutability and meat palatability of beef steers. Journal of Animal Science 87:1394-1406.
  6. Capper, J. L., and Hayes, D. J. 2012. The environmental and economic impact of removing growth-enhancing technologies from United States beef production. Journal of Animal Science 90:3527-3537.
  7. Capper, J. L. 2011. The environmental impact of beef production in the United States:1977 compared with 2007. Journal of Animal Science 89:4249-4261.
  8. Elam, T. E., and Preston, R. L. 2004. Fifty years of pharmaceutical technology and its impact on the beef we provide to consumers. http://www.hudson.org/files/publications/Elam%20--%20Pharm%20Tech%20and%20Beef%20--%208-04.pdf. Accessed May 10, 2013.
  9. Estimates based on research trial outcomes, data on file.
  10. Data on file.
  11. Unpublished data on file.
  12. Unpublished data on file.
  13. Wahrmund, J. L., Holland, B. P., Krehbiel, C. R., VanOverbeke, D. L., and Richards, C. J. 2009. Zilpaterol hydrochloride impact on core body temperature, performance, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef steers. Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station. http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/oldsite/research/research-reports-1/2009/013%20Wahrmund%20Zilpaterol%20beef%20report%20-%20final.pdf. Accessed May 10, 2013.
  14. Mader, T. 2012. Animal Welfare Concerns in the Feedlot (Environmental x management interactions). Beef Production Technology Forum. Summer NCBA Conference.
  15. Unpublished data on file.