Effect of ractopamine and methods of diet formulation on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing gilts

The effect of ractopamine supplementation and feed formulation methods was evaluated on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing gilts. Sixty animals were allotted in a completely randomized block experimental design, in a 2x3 factorial scheme - ractopamine (0 and 5ppm) X three feed formulation methods. Interactions between feed formulation method and ractopamine for daily weight gain (DWG), body weight, feed: gain (DFG), and lean carcass meat deposition (LCMD) were by in vivo carcass evaluation using ultrasound observed. Daily feed intake (DFI), lysine intake (DLI), DWG, and final body weight were higher for diets with high protein level. Ractopamine supplementation did not affect feed intake, and lysine intake, but increased daily weight gain. Feed formulation method affected carcass characteristics recorded at 28 days, while ractopamine supplementation reduced backfat thickness, increased muscle depth, and lean carcass proportion of the gilts. Ractopamine improved performance and carcass characteristics of finishing gilts and feed formulation methods affected performance and carcass characteristics. Better performance and higher lean carcass deposition were observed for finishing gilts fed high protein level diets supplemented with ractopamine.