Effects of a Terminal Sorting System with Zilpaterol Hydrochloride on Feedlot Steers

Authors

F. Henry Hilscher, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Dirk B. Burken, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Brandon L. Nuttelman Nuttelman, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Kathy Hanford, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Kyle J. Vander Pol, Merck Animal Health
John P. Hutcheson, Merck Animal Health

Date of this Version

2014

Citation

2014 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, UNL Extension MP99, pp. 83-85.

Comments

Copyright © 2014 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Crossbred yearling steers were utilized to evaluate the effects of Zilpaterol hydrochloride (Zilmax^®) and terminal sorting 50 days prior to harvest on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Four treatments were used: an unsorted group not fed Zilmax (–CON), an unsorted group fed Zilmax, sorting by weight into two market groups and fed Zilmax, or sorting by weight into four market groups and fed Zilmax (4-Sort). Carcass weight was increased in cattle fed Zilmax by 33 lb and was further increased by 9 lb by 4-SORT. Yield grade and marbling score were lower for all cattle fed Zilmax compared to the –CON. Sorting four ways (4-Sort) increased HCW, reduced HCW variation, and decreased the percentage of overweight carcasses compared to not sorting.