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Published on: June 5, 2019
Stress susceptibility in pigs supplemented with ractopamine
N B Athayde1, O A Dalla Costa, R O Roça
1UNESP, Univ Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Produção Animal, 18618-000, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. nataliaathayde@yahoo.com.br
Journal of Animal Science
|July 5, 2013
Summary
Ractopamine supplementation in pig diets did not affect behavior or stress indicators like cortisol and lactate. However, it increased creatine kinase levels, suggesting potential muscular disorders in pigs.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Ractopamine is a beta-adrenergic agonist used in finishing pig diets.
- Limited research exists on ractopamine's impact on pig behavior and welfare.
- Studies often focus on growth and meat quality, neglecting stress indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate stress indicators in pigs fed diets with ractopamine.
- To assess the effects of ractopamine on pig behavior and welfare.
- To investigate physiological and physical stress markers associated with ractopamine.
Main Methods:
- 170 barrows and 170 gilts were fed diets with 0, 5, or 10 mg/kg ractopamine for 28 days.
- Behavior was observed weekly, classifying activities and behavioral categories.
- Blood samples (cortisol, lactate, creatine kinase) and lesion incidence were analyzed post-slaughter.
Main Results:
- Ractopamine did not influence pig behavior, skin/carcass lesions, or blood cortisol/lactate levels.
- A significant increase in creatine kinase concentrations was observed in pigs fed ractopamine.
- No significant differences were found in cortisol or lactate levels.
Conclusions:
- Ractopamine supplementation did not negatively impact pig behavior or general stress markers.
- Elevated creatine kinase suggests potential for ractopamine-induced muscular disorders in pigs.
- Further research is warranted to explore the link between ractopamine and muscular issues.
