19 July 2007
Millsboro, Delaware
Zilmax® Post-Approval Research Nears Completion
Intervet’s New Performance Technology Offers Value throughout Beef Industry
MILLSBORO, Del. (July 19, 2007) – An 11-trial effort extensively studying best practices for the use of Zilmax (zilpaterol hydrochloride) is nearing completion. These post-approval studies involve approximately 18,000 head of cattle and were designed to evaluate the full potential and value of the feed ingredient in U.S. cattle-feeding conditions. The trials are being conducted by Intervet Inc. in conjunction with seven universities, government research institutions and private research facilities.
Post-approval research confirms the safety and efficacy results of Intervet’s initial studies. The post-approval trials also explore the benefits of feeding Zilmax in the feed yard, as well as its value to beef processors. Consumer-acceptability studies also are being conducted.
“Intervet undertook this significant effort as part of our commitment to identify the most appropriate use of the product in the unique U.S. cattle-feeding industry,” says Eric Alsup, D.V.M., Intervet Vice President, Animal Health Business Team. “This methodical, disciplined approach has allowed us to refine usage recommendations for improved performance and profitability when feeders use Zilmax in their cattle-feeding systems. It also helps us better appreciate the true value potential the product offers throughout the beef industry. This is the first beef-improvement technology to add value all the way through the beef system.”
About Zilmax
Intervet, an affiliate of Intervet International bv, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Zilmax in August 2006. The feed ingredient has been used successfully for eight years in Mexico and 12 years in South Africa. It is designed to improve production efficiencies in steers and heifers during the last 20-40 days of the feeding period, resulting in an end beef product that the industry can produce more efficiently. Zilmax is proven to increase hot carcass weight, as well as improve average daily gain and feed efficiency. It also improves yield grade and dressing percentage.
Zilmax is a metabolic modifier, which helps a beef animal utilize energy in the body to increase the amount of muscle (lean protein) as compared to the amount of fat. By increasing the amount of red meat per animal produced, Zilmax enables the industry to more efficiently produce a safe, quality beef product.
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Post-Approval Research Nears Completion / Add One
“Zilmax may well revolutionize the beef production system. This unique beta-adrenergic agonist increases dressed carcass yield by 1.5 to 2.0 percent and increases red meat yield by 1.0 to 2.0 percent,” says Ty Lawrence, Ph.D., West Texas A&M University, Assistant Professor and Beef Carcass Research Center Director. “It returns value to both the cattle feeder and the beef processor. I know of no other product that can make that claim.”
Currently, the company is diligently conducting significant cattle feeding and consumer acceptability research to fully explore and identify best practices for the product in the United States.
Post-approval Research
Post-approval research trials have further examined feedlot performance and carcass traits while determining the value potential Zilmax can bring to cattle feeders and beef processors, says John Hutcheson, Ph.D., Intervet Director of Performance Technologies.
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 30 pounds and dressing percentage of about 1.5 percentage points. Further, when cattle were fed Zilmax, yield grade improved from a score of 3.3 to 2.9.
“We also found that cattle fed Zilmax have a greater proportion of weight in the high-valued cuts as compared with non-Zilmax cattle,” Hutcheson says. “These types of efficiencies offer approximately $100 of value per head to the U.S. beef system, providing opportunities for the beef industry to be more competitive with other animal protein sources.”
Next Steps: Consumer Beef Sensory Study
Research including more than 550 consumer evaluations for taste and tenderness already has demonstrated consumers find no difference in overall and tenderness acceptability of beef from Zilmax-fed cattle and non-Zilmax fed cattle; however, Intervet will conduct additional consumer beef sensory research across the United States this summer.
“This will be the largest ever consumer beef sensory study conducted for a beef performance product and will evaluate the true eating experience from the consumer’s perspective examining flavor, juiciness and tenderness,” says Hutcheson. “The studies will include more than 2,000 consumers in four major metropolitan centers sampling beef product from Zilmax-cattle and non-Zilmax-fed cattle.”
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.
Intervet Inc. (www.intervetusa.com) is an affiliate of Intervet International bv, the world’s leading manufacturer of veterinary vaccines and currently ranked third among global animal health suppliers. The company is a leader in research and dedicated to the development, production and marketing of innovative, high-quality animal-health products, such as Vista®, Vision®, Once PMH®, and NeoGuard® vaccines; Fertagyl™; Chorulon®; Revalor® implants and Safe-Guard® dewormer. Intervet International currently employs around 5,000 personnel and maintains a global distribution network of subsidiary companies and agents in 120 countries. Vista, Vision, Once PMH, NeoGuard, Fertagyl, Chorulon, Revalor, Safe-Guard and Zilmax are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intervet Inc. or an affiliate.
© 2007 Intervet Inc. All rights reserved.
For more information, contact:
Keri Geffert English, 816-472-2900, or
geffertenglishk@osborn-barr.com
