Paylean Fact Sheet

This article provides the basic information on Paylean including What it is, the benefits it produces, research conducted etc.

10 October 2000

4 minute read

What is Paylean?

Paylean (ractopamine hydrochloride) is a new swine feed ingredient that received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) for use in swine production.

Paylean is a swine feed ingredient that directs nutrients to increase the amount of quality meat in high value cuts and improves production efficiency. Paylean is unique and distinctly different from any other feed ingredient in that it directs nutrients away from fat to increase the amount of quality lean pork. It is the only product of this type approved by the FDA for use in swine.

Paylean has been tested in more than 12,000 pigs in the U.S. and other countries around the world. For FDA clearance, efficacy trials for growth performance and carcass leanness demonstrated the effectiveness of Paylean in increasing carcass leanness, increasing rate of weight gain and improving feed efficiency.

Meat Quality

Paylean increases carcass leanness in a pig, replacing 7 lbs. of fat with 11 lbs. of lean pork.

The visual appearance (color, firmness and marbling) of pork from pigs that have been fed the product is not different from pigs that have not been fed the product. Trained taste panelists did not detect differences in eating quality (juiciness, tenderness and flavor) of fresh loin and smoked ham from pigs fed Paylean when compared to pigs not fed Paylean.

Benefits

Consumers benefit, as this product helps meet the demand for wholesome, nutritious, quality pork to support a healthy lifestyle.

Paylean contributes to a better environment, as there is less animal waste due to the more efficient utilization of nutrients. Each Paylean-fed pig produces about 40 pounds less manure and thus, for the U.S., potentially reduces total manure production by two million tons. Paylean saves our natural resources, as less feed is required per pound of pork produced. Trials have shown that pigs fed Paylean require up to 41 lbs. less feed and up to 4 fewer days to reach market weight. Fewer acres are needed to produce feed for feeding pigs. Paylean brings value to pork operations of any size as there are no capital resources required for its use.

Research and Safety

Paylean has been tested in more than 12,000 pigs in the U.S. and other countries around the world. For FDA clearance, efficacy trials for growth performance and carcass leanness demonstrated the effectiveness of the product in increasing carcass leanness, increasing rate of weight gain and improving feed efficiency.

Paylean has undergone extensive scientific research for use in swine production. This research has established that pork from Paylean fed pigs is safe for human consumption. The FDA approved the product only after thoroughly reviewing all data to ensure that it met their stringent human food safety standards.

Pursuit of the FDA approval of this product, which is based on years of extensive scientific research, demonstrates Elanco’s commitment to research and innovation in animal health and food production technology.

Elanco Animal Health

Elanco Animal Health has a history dating back to the 1960s of advancing the production of safe food. In the next 30 years, the world’s population is expected to double and the world’s protein needs are expected to triple as the standard of living increases. Paylean is just one of the technologies that will help swine producers more efficiently produce the most commonly consumed meat in the world.

Paylean™ was developed and is marketed by Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A., it is one of the world’s leading animal health companies. Elanco discovers, develops and markets innovative technologies for use in food animal production and disease prevention and treatment.

Paylean™ is a trademark for Elanco’s brand of ractopamine hydrochloride.