Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 8/26/15

Beta-agonists such as Zilmax are not the root cause of “fatigue cattle syndrome,” Dan Thomson, veterinarian and director of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University, said in an interview with Oklahoma Farm Report.

Research by K-State and several other universities trying to determine why cattle were showing up to packing plants tired and immobile has determined that the culmination of short- and long-term stress factors including heat, loading and transportation is the culprit, he said.

Merck voluntarily pulled Zilmax off the market in August 2013 amid concerns that it was causing the condition in cattle, which was first noted at the Summer Cattle Industry Conference two years ago.

To read the full Oklahoma Farm Report interview, which includes an audio clip, click here.