Assay for Detecting Ractopamine in Pig Hair
Extension Education
Casey Zangaro
Swine Production Educator
Michigan State University Extension
Alma
Abstract
Ractopamine is a feed additive used in the U.S. for 25 years to promote lean muscle growth and feed efficiency in both commercial and show pigs. Responding to global export market demands for Ractopamine-free pork, many large meat packers in the U.S. quit purchasing pigs fed ractopamine in late 2019. In response to this, many county fairs in MI restricted use of Ractopamine in show pigs in 2020 and 2021; that practice will continue in 2022. Fairs are weary of implementing rules that cannot be enforced, and therefore were looking for options to test pigs for the presence of Ractopamine to enforce restrictions that were put in place. MSU Extension’s Pork Team worked with colleagues in the Children and Youth Institute to provide education to fair organizers on this market demand change, offered Ractopamine testing options and provided educational opportunities. When no suitable commercially available assay was identified, the team worked with the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to develop a non-invasive assay that measures Ractopamine in pig hair that meets the needs of show pig owners, county fairs and could also be used by packers and markets who need to confirm Ractopamine-free status in pigs they purchase.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Elizabeth Ferry
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Ferry, E. Swine Extension Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan, 49031