Ridley Block Operations has initiated a voluntary recall of a single batch of its beef cattle feed product, Ultralyx 24% + 3% Mag Composite Block, because it contains elevated levels of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) that may be harmful to beef cattle.
Beef cattle exposed to this batch may exhibit rapid breathing, tremors and slight incoordination followed by severe incoordination, excessive salivation and labored breathing. Eventually, afflicted animals lose the ability to stand. Generally, if not treated, animals may die within four hours. If beef producers observe animals that have consumed product from this single batch number and have any of these symptoms, producers should contact their local veterinarian for assistance.
A farm located in Virginia reported that nine of its beef cows died after having access to the subject batch of cattle feed.
The entire batch of beef cattle feed subject to this recall was purchased by a single distributor in Tennessee who resold the product to farm supply dealers located in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina.
The cattle feed subject to this recall can be identified by its label, which describes the product as “Ultralyx Nutritional Supplements 24% + 3% Mag Composite Block for Beef Cattle on Pasture” and includes, in the lower right corner, the batch number HB01088454 and item number 10636. The subject batch was manufactured on August 26, 2016, and packaged in 200-pound plastic tubs.
Samples from the subject batch were assayed following a customer complaint and found to contain elevated levels of NPN. Tubs associated with this batch contain a quantity of the feed ingredient urea, a nutritional source of NPN, that exceeded formulated specifications.
Cattle producers who have purchased Ultralyx 24% + 3% Mag Composite Block labeled as batch number HB01088454 should discontinue use of the product and return any unused tubs to the place of purchase for a refund of the purchase price. Producers should contact their veterinarian for assistance if their cattle have consumed from tubs of batch number HB01088454.
Cattle producers with questions concerning this recall may contact Ridley Block Operations at info@ridleyinc.com or by calling (507) 388-9421 Monday through Friday 8 am - 5 pm, Central Time.
This voluntary recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.
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