Effects of ractopamine plus amino acids on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and ractopamine residues of finishing pigs

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of adding ractopamine (RAC) and amino acids (AA) to the diet on growth performance, carcass characteristics, commercial cuts yield, meat quality and residues in liver and muscle. Ninety-two crossbred castrated pigs (97.96 ± 2.32 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: a Control diet with 0 mg kg -1 of RAC and a RAC+AA diet with 10 mg RAC kg -1 , for the last 27 days. Pigs of RAC+AA group had greater average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F) and final bodyweight (P≤0.05) and tended to have lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p=0.084) than Control pigs. Carcasses from RAC+AA animals were heavier than controls (P≤0.05). Dressing percentage and backfat depth were not affected (P>0.05) by diet. Weights of head and skin were not different between treatments, but RAC+AA pigs had greater weights of boneless center loin, ribs, boneless ham and shoulders, tenderloin, neck, rear shank and trimmings (P≤0.05). The addition of RAC+AA did not affect crude protein and water content of loins but tended to reduce ether extract (P=0.08). Drip loss, pH, and cooking loss in pork were not different. Shear force tended (P=0.092) to be higher in RAC+AA. No differences in L* and b* color coordinates were found but a* values were lower in RAC+AA. Hue angle and chroma did not differ. Confidence limits at 90% were determined for residues in muscle and liver, obtaining values from -2.7 to 3.4 μg kg -1 and -6.7 to 10.6 μg kg -1 , respectively, both below the limits established by Codex Alimentarius. Dietary inclusion of RAC+AA at 10 mg RAC kg -1 in the diet of finishing pigs improved growth performance and produced heavier carcasses and commercial cuts, had minimal effects in pork characteristics and produced pork and liver with RAC residues below limits from Codex Alimentarius.

Evaluation of a Phytogenic Compound with Minerals as a Possible Alternative to Ractopamine for Finishing Pigs

“…Similar results were found by Elmes et al [ 17 ], with better daily weight gain ( p < 0.05) and higher feed efficiency ( p < 0.01), with 10 ppm ractopamine supplementation.…”

Ractopamine at the Center of Decades-Long Scientific and Legal Disputes: A Lesson on Benefits, Safety Issues, and Conflicts

“…The introduction of RAC in rations also improves carcass protein and decreases the fat percentage in swine [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. The addition of RAC in the finishing diet of pigs can regulate animal metabolism by optimal carcass muscle production and decrease the lipid concentration [ 21 , 22 ]. Adding RAC in the finishing ration of swine also enhances growth, feed conversion ratio, and carcass dressing percentage [ 23 ].…”

Efeito da suplementação de extrato vegetal com minerais e da ractopamina sobre desempenho e qualidade da carne de suínos

“…Resultados semelhantes foram encontrados por Elmes et al (2014), com melhor ganho de peso diário (p < 0,05) e maior eficiência alimentar (p < 0,01), com suplementação de 10 ppm de ractopamina. Assim, espera-se que os animais que consomem ractopamina apresentem uma melhor conversão alimentar e uma carcaça com menor teor de gordura.…”