Abstract
The objective of this unprecedented research was to evaluate performance traits, carcass yield, meat quality, and hematological parameters of pintado amazônico fish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus) fed diets containing ractopamine (20 mg kg-1) for different periods, during the final growth phase. The following treatments were evaluated: 45 days without ractopamine supplementation (control diet); 30 days of control diet, followed by 15 days of ractopamine supplementation; 15 days of control diet, followed by 30 days of ractopamine supplementation; and 45 days of ractopamine supplementation. Performance traits, carcass yield and hematological parameters were not significantly influenced by the ractopamine supplementation periods. The pH, L* color and a* color parameters of the filet post-slaughter and the L* color of the filet post-thawing were significantly influenced by the period of supplementation with the additive in the diet. Cooking loss was significantly lower in the fillet of fish that received ractopamine. Ractopamine supplementation at the level of 20 mg kg-1 in the diet of pintado amazônico for 15, 30, or 45 days does not alter their production performance, carcass yield, or hematological parameters, but changes the qualitative traits of their filet.
Highlights
Pintado amazônico (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus) has been increasingly cultured on a commercial scale in South American countries, mainly in Brazil (Souza et al 2017)
Positive results for muscle and mesenteric fat reduction, and weight gain have been reported in channel catfish (Mustin & Lovell 1993)
The fish used in the study belong to the surubim group, originating from the cross between cachara females (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) and jundiá males (Leiarius marmoratus)
Summary
Pintado amazônico (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus) has been increasingly cultured on a commercial scale in South American countries, mainly in Brazil (Souza et al 2017). In an effort to minimize the fat content and improve carcass quality, additives have been included in the diets of some species, e.g., swine. For this purpose, farmers have used ractopamine, a β-adrenergic agonist whose results have been demonstrated in several meta-analytic studies (Apple et al 2007, Kiefer & Sanches 2009, Pompeu et al 2017), including positive results in performance and decreased fat deposition in the carcass without compromising meat quality. Despite the low number of studies, evidence suggests that, as in swine, ractopamine can reduce fat in the carcass of fish. Recent studies indicate a decrease in the fat content of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) filets (Oliveira et al 2014)
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