RACTOPAMINE FOR RESTRICTED FED GILTS: REFEEDING AFTER A WEEK WITHDRAWAL

摘要

Improved body weight gain and lean deposition are the results of Ractopamine (RAC) addition to the diet of finishing pigs. These effects demand a greater apportion of nutrients. However, voluntary feed intake may be lowered, which could hamper the animals' response, particularly, if energy provision is insufficient. The experiment (Exp.) herein was carried out to measure the response to RAC in restricted-fed finishing-gilts, because of their relatively lower feed intake and greater lean mass deposition. It was also tested the possibility of extending the period of RAC use giving a week withdrawal to regain sensitivity.