Study: Zilmax not harmful to bovine health

The cattle feed additive Zilmax has no noticeable detrimental effect on cattle health or well-being, according to research by scientists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
The study was done after Merck Animal Health, the maker of Zilmax, temporarily suspended sales of the feed additive in 2013 amid concerns that it might cause lameness in cattle, said Ty Schmidt, a UNL animal scientist, who worked with colleagues including Jeff Carroll and Nicole Sanchez, both of ARS.
During the 26-day study, scientists collected blood, via catheters; body temperature; and video images from 20 heifers, which were divided into two groups, with half receiving Zilmax at the recommended dose and half not receiving it. On the last day of the trial, four days after Zilmax supplementation was discontinued, heifers were exposed to a simulated stress event to mimic the stress response that would be anticipated in cattle being shipped from the feedlot to packing plant. At the conclusion of the trial, heifers were harvested at UNL and their hearts, liver, lungs, kidneys and adrenal glands were studied.
Results from the study demonstrated some differences in physiological and endocrine markers of stress and muscle accretion in heifers that were supplemented with Zilmax compared to heifers not fed Zilmax. Heifers fed Zilmax had an increase in parameters that indicate increased muscle mass. The increase in these parameters was expected, as the drug label for Zilmax includes statements pertaining to increases in creatinine and creatine phosphokinase, Schmidt said.
Results from this study, he added, also demonstrated that heifers supplemented with Zilmax had a decreased production of the stress hormone cortisol, and decreased body temperature during the simulated stress event. Histopathology of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands revealed some differences between the heifers supplemented with Zilmax and the heifers not receiving Zilmax. The livers and right adrenal gland of the Zilmax heifers were slightly smaller than heifers that were not fed Zilmax, but there was no difference in lungs, kidneys, or heart.
"Overall, the results of this trial indicate that while there are variations in the body temperature, endocrine and metabolic parameters and histopathology of major organs of Zilmax supplemented heifers, these differences are minor and show no indication that supplementation of Zilmax is detrimental to the health or well-being cattle," Schmidt said.
In addition to Schmidt, Carroll and Sanchez, others who participated in the study were: Steve Jones and David Steffen, UNL, and graduate students Joe Buntyn and Sara Serien, also of UNL.

Marie Callender’s meals recalled

ConAgra Packaged Foods LLC is recalling all Marie Callender’s brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the product’s possible link to a salmonella outbreak.
The CDC said 29 people in 14 states, eight of whom reported eating this product in April and May, have been diagnosed with salmonellosis linked to salmonella serotype Chester. Products recalled are 13-ounce packages of Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken & Rice White Meat Chicken and Broccoli over Rice Topped with Rich Cheddar Sauce. A retail distribution list will be posted on the FSIS website.

Food supply survey cites consumer concerns

IBM Corp. has released survey findings among food consumers relating to confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply. Concern is evident based on highly publicized recent recalls of green vegetables and peanut products.
It is considered significant that 83% of respondents were able to name a product recalled during the past year. This is attributed to wide media coverage of food-related problems. Approximately half of the respondents indicated that they would be less likely to purchase a product following a recall.
Only half of the respondents trust food manufacturers to withdraw and recall adulterated or contaminated food products but 70% indicated that they trust supermarkets and grocery stores to respond promptly to recalls. IBM also determined that tracability is essential in establishing consumer confidence and this aspect of production will in the future receive greater attention from regulatory agencies and certifying bodies.