Influence of Lubabegron Fumarate and Increasing Supplemental Zinc on Growth Performance, Trace Mineral Status, and Circulating Metabolites of Feedlot Steers

Lay Summary

This study evaluated the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation and lubabegron fumarate (EXP) on growth, carcass traits, trace mineral status, and circulating metabolites of feedlot steers. One hundred and forty-four Angus-cross steers were fed diets containing three different concentrations of supplemental Zn with or without EXP. Steers receiving EXP had greater body weight, growth rate, feed efficiency, hot carcass weight, and ribeye area but lower marbling and rib fat. Increased supplemental Zn improved feed efficiency and influenced blood metabolites, particularly energy metabolites. This research supports previous studies reporting several important roles of Zn in energy metabolism and gives insight into optimizing the amount of supplemental Zn fed to steers administered EXP.