Project Number: 3602-32000-006-15
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Aug 01, 2004
End Date: Nov 30, 2005

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to evaluate the effects of levalbuterol and ractopamine on: a) Target animal safety b) Production economics c) Worker safety d) Animal welfare

Approach:
A single replicate of 192 pigs will be housed in groups of 6 in 32 pens and be randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments, including a control, two levels of levalbuterol and one level of racemic albuterol. Behavior will be recorded once a week to determine daily time budgets and agonistic interactions. Pigs will be weighed five times to determine ease of handling. Heart rate responses to human presence and transportation will be measured to elucidate activation of the autonomic nervous system. Blood samples will be taken for analysis of catecholamines, cortisol, insulin, glucose, NEFA, CPK, BUN, ammonia and lactate. After slaughter, carcass weights and meat quality measures will be taken.