Effect of ractopamine on growth performance, carcass composition, and cutting yields of pigs slaughtered at 107 and 125 kilograms

摘要: At approximately 68 kg live weight, crossbred barrows and gilts (n = 144) were allocated to be fed one of two weight end points (107 125 kg). Pigs from each group treated with Ractopamine (RAC) (0, 10, or 20 ppm; n 24/ treatment) for the last 40 gain. Feed consump- tion gain measured. slaughtered carcass measurements made at 24 h postmortem. Carcasses fabricated into wholesale, trimmed boneless wholesale cuts cutting yields. Hams separated muscle, fat, bone. The RAC improved growth characteristics characteristics. had in- creased ( P < .01) average daily feed:gain ratio over controls in group. pigs larger longissimus muscle area reduced fat 10th rib. Cuts 125-kg generally heavier than those 107-kg pigs. increased .05) cut weights both groups. Percentage dissected lean hams RAC-treated was higher that controls. Few consistent differences observed between 10 ppm treatments. Results this study indicate positive effects on charac- teristics, characteristics, yields representative broad spectrum market weights.