Beef

The Influence of Supplemental Zinc and Ractopamine Hydrochloride on Mineral and Nitrogen Retention of Beef Steers

Authors: Remy Carmichael (Iowa State University) , Olivia N. Genther-Schroeder (Iowa State University) , Stephanie L. Hansen (Iowa State University)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to ascertain how ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation and Zn supplementation affects N retention and Zn absorption in beef steers. No interaction was detected between ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation and Zn supplementation (MIN x BA strategies). There was no effect of ractopamine hydrochloride inclusion on Zn absorption. However, there was an increase of Zn retention with increasing concentrations of supplemental Zn. Additionally, N retention was increased by supranutritional Zn supplementation and also by ractopamine supplementation. Increased N retention may help explain previously noted improvements in cattle performance when fed ractopamine hydrochloride and supranutritional concentrations of Zn.

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How to Cite: Carmichael, R. , Genther-Schroeder, O. N. & Hansen, S. L. (2018) “The Influence of Supplemental Zinc and Ractopamine Hydrochloride on Mineral and Nitrogen Retention of Beef Steers”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. 15(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-577