Suspension of Purchases of Cattle Fed Zilmax Additive

Last week Tyson Foods announced that it would suspend purchases of cattle fed the growth enhancer Zilmax beginning on September 6 stating that the company had concern about cases of cattle difficulty walking but no certain cause to the problem.

Merck who manufactures the feed additive said that tests prove that Zilmax is safe and that it was working with Tyson.

Field reporter Greg Martin shares more

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Forrest Roberts made the following statement in response to action by Tyson in discontinuing the purchase of cattle fed Zilmax: 

“Cattlemen and women believe in the right of farmers and ranchers to responsibly use FDA-approved technologies,” Roberts said. “We also believe in Tyson’s right to make individual company decisions that they feel are in the best interest of their business. We do not have all the details regarding the animal welfare concerns cited by Tyson in the letter to their cattle suppliers. However, we take every report of animal welfare issues very seriously.
“We have expended significant resources to address questions about the use of beta-agonists relative to animal welfare concerns. We convened experts across the beef supply chain who have conducted extensive research on beta-agonists and engaged cattle feeding and animal health experts who have many years of experience using these products. We will continue these efforts until we have solid answers to these questions. In the meantime, we believe these products can be used responsibly when managed properly.”