Zilmax® injection is not an actual product. Zilmax is a feed additive, not an injection, and is used to improve the performance of cattle in feedlots.
Understanding Zilmax®
Zilmax® is a feed additive that contains the active ingredient zilpaterol hydrochloride. It's primarily used in beef cattle to enhance certain production characteristics.
Main Uses of Zilmax®:
- Increase Rate of Bodyweight Gain: Zilmax helps cattle gain weight more quickly during the final feeding period before slaughter.
- Improve Feed Efficiency: It allows cattle to convert feed into body weight more efficiently, reducing the amount of feed needed for a given amount of gain.
- Increase Carcass Leanness: Zilmax promotes the growth of lean muscle tissue, resulting in a higher proportion of lean meat in the carcass.
How Zilmax® Works:
Zilpaterol hydrochloride is a beta-adrenergic agonist that works by:
- Redirecting nutrients from fat deposition towards muscle growth.
- Improving overall weight gain and feed conversion.
- Enhancing the overall value of the carcass.
Key Aspects of Zilmax Use
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Administration | Administered through feed, not injection, to cattle in confinement. |
| Duration of Use | Used for a period of 20 to 40 consecutive days at the end of the feeding period before slaughter. |
| Target Animals | Specifically used in cattle raised in feedlot environments for meat production. |
| Primary Benefits | Faster weight gain, efficient feed utilization, and increased muscle mass (carcass leanness). |
Important Considerations:
- Zilmax is not used as an injection.
- It is administered through the feed at prescribed dosage levels.
- It is used specifically in the final days of the feeding period, not throughout the animal's life.
- There are strict withdrawal periods before the animal can be sent to slaughter.
