When asked what they thought of beta agonists after Zilmax sales were suspended in the middle of August, the poll found 34.5 percent as being against the supplement, saying “Beta agonists should not be used at all in beef cattle.”

Close behind with 33.6 percent were those who said, “Beta agonists are safe and FDA-approved. Sales don’t need to be suspended.”

Another 31.9 percent were not sure, saying, “The jury is still out. The industry should re-examine the impact on livestock.”

The poll was posted after Merck, the makers of Zilmax, or zilpaterol, pulled the product off the shelves temporarily.

That move was preceeded by Tyson Foods halting the purchase of cattle that were finished on Zilmax, out of concerns that the animals could not walk properly. Cargill followed Tyson with a similar move, after Merck pulled Zilmax.

Beta agonists are feeding supplements given to finishing cattle in the final weeks of their feeding period. Zilmax is one of two beta agonists on the market; Optaflexx, or ractopamine, is the other.

Be sure to weigh in on our newest poll on the government shutdown. 

What do you think about beta agonists in cattle, in light of Zilmax sales being suspended?

• Beta agonists are safe and FDA-approved. Sales don't need to be suspended: 33.6%

• The jury is still out. The industry should re-examine the impact on livestock: 31.9%

• Beta agonists should not be used at all in beef cattle: 34.5%