Ractopamine

Ractopamine is a beta-adrenergic agonist that is used as a feed additive to increase the weight of livestock prior to slaughter. It is marketed under the trade names Paylean for swine and Optaflexx for cattle, by Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company.

History[edit | edit source]

Ractopamine was first approved by the FDA in 1999 for use in swine, followed by approval for use in cattle in 2003 and turkeys in 2009.

Mechanism of action[edit | edit source]

Ractopamine is a beta-adrenergic agonist. It binds to the beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors on the surface of cells in the animal's body. This binding triggers a series of reactions that lead to the relaxation of smooth muscle and an increase in heart rate. In livestock, this results in a redirection of nutrients from fat deposition to muscle growth.

Safety and controversy[edit | edit source]

The safety of ractopamine has been a subject of controversy. While the FDA has approved its use in livestock, the European Union and China have banned its use due to concerns about its effects on human health and animal welfare.

See also[edit | edit source]

Ractopamine Resources
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