
What is Optaflexx 45 used for?
Optaflexx 45. Follow label directions. Indication: Complete Feed: For increased rate of weight gain, improved feed efficiency and increased carcass leanness in cattle fed in confinement for slaughter during the last 28 to 42 days on feed.
When did Optaflexx become available?
In January 2004, Optaflexx became commercially available. Optaflexx is a medicated feed additive and is labeled only for use in steers or market heifers during their last 28-42 days on feed. It's not approved for use in breeding heifers or bulls. Optaflexx's active ingredient is the same compound found in Paylean®, labeled for use only in swine.
How much ractopamine is in Optaflexx 45?
a Optaflexx 45 contains 45.4 g ractopamine hydrochloride per pound Directions for Use (Complete Feed): Feed continuously to cattle fed in confinement for slaughter as the sole ration for the last 28 to 42 days on feed.
Can you use Optaflexx in cattle?
Optaflexx is a medicated feed additive and is labeled only for use in steers or market heifers during their last 28-42 days on feed. It's not approved for use in breeding heifers or bulls. Optaflexx's active ingredient is the same compound found in Paylean®, labeled for use only in swine.

Does beef have ractopamine?
Ractopamine is a feed additive for pigs and beef cattle that has gotten a lot of attention over the last several years. It is used by livestock producers to enhance or increase muscle mass and improve feed efficiency in animals.
Can you buy Zilmax?
Zilmax™ is only available to commercial feedlot for use, whereas Showmaxx™ (show steer feed supplement) has been approved for sale directly to beef producers.
What is ractopamine hydrochloride?
Ractopamine hydrochloride (trade name Paylean) is a β-adrenergic agonist that was initially approved in the U.S. in 1999 at doses of 5 to 20 mg/kg to improve feed efficiency and carcass leanness.
How do you feed Optaflexx?
Optaflexx is approved to be fed during the last 28 to 42 days of the feeding period. Based on results of Elanco's trials, it is recommended to feed 300 mg/hd/d Optaflexx approximately 28 to 35 days – depending on cattle sex and method of selling cattle – to capture the most return.
Is Zilmax still used?
Consequently, Cargill supports Merck's decision to suspend sales of Zilmax in the U.S. and Canada. The last of the cattle currently being fed Zilmax that are in Cargill's supply chain will be harvested by the end of September.
Is ractopamine harmful to humans?
Ractopamine is associated with major health problems in food-producing animals, such as “downer” syndrome and severe cardiovascular stress, and has also been linked to heart problems and even poisoning in humans.
Is paylean safe for humans?
Paylean has undergone extensive scientific research for use in swine production. This research has established that pork from Paylean fed pigs is safe for human consumption. The FDA approved the product only after thoroughly reviewing all data to ensure that it met their stringent human food safety standards.
How do I know if the pork has ractopamine?
To find out whether a swine feed contains ractopamine, look for “ractopamine hydrochloride” on the feed label (see figure 1). (Note: Labels typically list ractopamine as an active ingredient rather than as a medicated feed product.)
What is Zilmax used for?
Zilmax is a medicated feed supplement for beef cattle that belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-agonists, which are also used in humans to ease asthma symptoms. Zilmax, with its active ingredient zilpaterol hydrochloride, is a federally approved weight-gaining supplement.
Where is ractopamine banned?
Ractopamine is banned from food production in at least 160 countries around the world, including countries across Europe, Russia, mainland China and Republic of China (Taiwan), due to its suspected health effects.
What is the active ingredient in Optaflexx?
The active ingredient in Optaflexx, ractopamine hydrochloride, is a beta-adrenergic agonist. Individuals with cardiovascular disease should exercise special caution to avoid exposure. Not for use in humans. Keep out of the reach of children. The Optaflexx 45 formulation (Type A Medicated Article) poses a low dust potential under usual conditions of handling and mixing. When mixing and handling Optaflexx, use protective clothing, impervious gloves, protective eye wear, and a NIOSH-approved dust mask. Operators should wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. If accidental eye contact occurs, immediately rinse eyes thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. The material safety data sheet contains more detailed occupational safety information. To report adverse effects, access medical information, or obtain additional product information, call 1-800-428-4441.
What to use when mixing Optaflexx?
When mixing and handling Optaflexx, use protective clothing, impervious gloves, protective eye wear, and a NIOSH-approved dust mask. Operators should wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. If accidental eye contact occurs, immediately rinse eyes thoroughly with water.
How much Optaflexx to add per ton?
Pounds of Optaflexx 45 a To Add Per Ton To Make a Type B Medicated Feed
Is Optaflexx a trademark?
Optaflexx, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates.
Is Optaflexx a good pre harvest feed?
Optaflexx® has a four-to-six week pre-harvest feeding recommendation and has a claim for enhanced rate of gain, improved feed efficiency, and increased carcass leanness.
Is Optaflexx a registered trademark?
From the above performance data, the following 28-day economic summary was developed. Optaflexx is a registered trademark of Elanco Animal Health. NOTE: The product tested in this research was named BoVantage®. In 2019, the name changed to NutriVantage®, however all ingredients remained the same.
What is Optaflexx used for?
“Optaflexx can help improve an animal's performance and slightly increase its muscle conformation ,” says Jason Cleere, Texas A&M University Extension beef cattle specialist.
When did Optaflexx become commercially available?
The other brother. In January 2004, Optaflexx became commercially available. Optaflexx is a medicated feed additive and is labeled only for use in steers or market heifers during their last 28-42 days on feed. It's not approved for use in breeding heifers or bulls.
What is the generic form of Zilmax?
The generic form of Zilmax (zilpaterol chlorhydrate) and of Optaflexx (ractopamine hydrochloride) are beta-agonists. They work as non-steroidal growth stimulants for improved body mass gain and feed conversion in feedlot cattle by stimulating receptors on cell surfaces. In muscle tissue, they promote protein synthesis.
Is Zilmax a competitor for Optaflexx?
Last September, FDA approved its use in the U.S. Zilmax will compete with Optaflexx ™ (Elanco Animal Health ™) in the commercial cattle-feeding market as a repartitioning agent designed to absorb and redirect nutrients toward greater lean meat production and less fat deposition.
Does Zilmax increase gain?
These products can increase rate of gain and feed efficiency up to 25% each. Product manufacturers claim carcass lean gain can be improved almost 70%. The generic form of Zilmax (zilpaterol chlorhydrate) and of Optaflexx (ractopamine hydrochloride) are beta-agonists. They work as non-steroidal growth stimulants for improved body mass gain ...
Does Intervet feed quality data reflect Zilmax?
Intervet product managers are just as mum on the soon-to-be released meat-quality research, only saying the meat-quality data will reflect positively on Zilmax in feedyard finishing rations. They direct cattle feeders to the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) summary that's been published ( www.fda.gov/cvm/FOI/141-258o08102006.pdf ). See Table 2.
