The beta-adrenergic agonist known to stimulate muscle growth and inhibit fat deposition known as ractopamine is the active ingredient in Paylean®, which was recently registered in Canada. The relative economics of this product will impact the final decision to use this feed additive. Costs include the product itself, along with additional nutrients and management to exploit the performance expected. Feed conversion and growth were improved with 5 ppm/kg ractopamine and improved loin thickness and decreased backfat was noted. Market prices, current farms’ carcass quality and grading grids all influence the economic benefit of this product. A “typical” return was in the range of $2-3 per pig sold in this experiment.
Effect of Ractopamine in Finishing Diets – Economics (full article)
