HCl-ractopamine level addition on reproductive response, carcass characteristics and meat quality of pork

To determinate the effect of ractopamine hydrochloride (HCl-R) in reproductive response, carcass characteristics, primary cuts yield and meat quality, 80 pork (Large White Landrace X Large White-Pietrain) at end stage (Live weight 73.1 kg) were feed during 31 days with an integral ration with 15.12% PC and 2.32 Mcal of ME/kg with different HCL-R levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20ppm). Pigs were randomly distributed in the different treatments. HCl-R inclusion had no effect on reproductive response and carcass weight. Rib eye area wee improved with 15 and 20 ppm HCL-R. HCL-R levels of 10 and 20 ppm increased red coloration. The pH24 and drip loss were also no affected. HCl-R in end stage pigs had no effect on reproductive response, but improved rib eye area, red coloration and leg weight.