Technology Improves Beef Cattle Production and Environment

Apr 17, 2025

By Tara L. Felix and Colin Bates

About The Product

Lubabegron, marketed only by Elanco as Experior™, is the first FDA and Health Canada-approved product labeled to reduce the gas emissions from an animal or its waste. Lubabegron was approved in the fall of 2018 and works as a beta-adrenergic agonist/antagonist (often shorted to simply beta-agonists or BAA). The BAAs are a class of drugs that increase feed efficiency by shifting animal growth curves from fat deposition to muscle deposition later in life. They are typically fed 20 to 42 days prior to slaughter to increase lean muscle deposition of the animal. It is estimated that up to 80% of U.S.-fed cattle are raised with beta-agonists¹. The mode of action for these drugs is to either increase protein synthesis or decrease the rate of protein degradation, or both. Lubabegron is believed to act by increasing muscle protein synthesis, specifically by increasing the uptake of nitrogen-containing amino acids. By increasing the amount of nitrogen stored in the animal's body, the amount of urea (CO(NH₂)₂) that is excreted in the manure is reduced².

The current recommended dosage for the Lubabegron premix is to feed 1.25 to 4.54 grams per ton of complete feed (90% dry matter basis). This dose would provide 13 to 90 mg Lubabegron per head each day, continuously, to beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter during the last 14 to 91 days on feed⁴.

Because Lubabegron decreases the amount of urea excreted by the animal, it also reduces the amount of ammonia gas released into the environment. Thus, Lubabegron is approved for the reduction of ammonia (NH₃) gas emission per kilogram of live weight and hot carcass weight².

Ammonia Significance

Agricultural sources, which include livestock, are the largest known source of ammonia gas emissions in the United States⁵. As the consumer increases their demand for sustainable products, it is important for livestock producers to make appropriate changes to capitalize on changing or emerging markets. One 2018 poll found that 48% of consumers said that they "probably" or "definitely" changed what they ate to reduce individual impact on the environment. Young consumers, primarily millennials, were more driven to purchase environmentally sustainable products⁴.

Besides having an impact on what products consumers buy, excess excreted urea can be a contributor to the eutrophication of waterways as well as the formation of atmospheric haze and noxious odors. Eutrophication is excessive plant and algal growth due to the sudden increase of one or more limiting growth factors needed for photosynthesis. In this case, the limiting growth factor would be nitrogen excreted in manure. The effects of this uncontrolled plant and algal growth can lead to contaminated drinking water supplies due to the toxins produced by certain algaes⁶. One of the most significant consequences of eutrophication is the formation of "dead zones," which are areas where the level of oxygen found in water is too low to support most organisms. These dead zones have the potential to eradicate entire commercial and recreational fishing areas. The large-scale decay of plants, fish, and other marine life is another contributing factor to contaminated drinking water.

Safety Information

It is important to always read, understand, and follow labels and directions properly to mitigate the risk of undue harm to yourself, others, or animals. The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings. Through several studies, Lubabegron was deemed safe when used according to its label. This product is intended for use in beef steers and heifers only. Animal and human safety analysis showed no negative impact on animal health or food safety². Lubabegron should not be used concurrently with other beta-adrenergic agonists, such as ractopamine hydrochloride or zilpaterol hydrochloride. Do not use this product on animals you intend to breed, as safety and effectiveness have not yet been evaluated in these animals. For more information or questions, please contact your Elanco representative or Elanco's Product and Veterinary Support Team at 1-800-428-4441.