<b>Quality of pork cuts from swine receiving ractopamine as ration in different feed programs</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v30i2.4682

Abstract

This study evaluated the supplementation of ractopamine associated with feeding restriction in diets with high lysine content on the composition of pork cuts. Thirty barrows (107.2 ± 6.2 kg) were utilized, receiving the experimental diets during 28 days before slaughter. The randomized block design was applied in a 2 x 2 + 1 factorial (two levels of ractopamine – 0 or 5 ppm – in rations with 1.03% of total lysine; ad libitum or 15% feed restriction; and a control treatment, ad libitum, without ractopamine, with 0.8% of total lysine) with six replicates. The cuts were obtained from the left chilled carcass. The tenderloin percentage (RFIL), the ham (PCPER), shoulder (PCPAL), boneless shoulder (PCSOP) and bone-in loin (PCCAR) meat percentage, the average thickness (EB), flexibility (FB), amount of meat (QCB), fat (QGB) and meat:fat ratio of the belly (RCGB) were evaluated. The ractopamine increased RFIL, PCPER, PCPAL, PCSOP, PCCAR and RCGB when compared to diets without ractopamine and 1.03% of lysine. Compared to the control, ractopamine increased PCCAR and RCGB; decreased QGB; and when associated with the feed restriction, increased PCPER. Feed restriction decreased FB. The use of ractopamine increases the meat percentage in pork cuts and feed restriction decreases FB.