Recently, a pig growth model has been developed, that incorporates the impact of RAC on pig compositional growth and nutritional requirements. The objective of this research was to utilize the compositional pig growth model to evaluate the economically optimal use of RAC with different marketing systems. The study confirms that under present economic conditions, the feeding of RAC is profitable to pork producers. The highest return from the use of RAC will accrue to producers with a better growth environment and those using a 3-diet, phase-feeding program after 154 lbs live weight.
Part of the additional profit due to the use of RAC comes from faster growth rate and less days on feed. As the payment for leanness increases, the return to RAC use also increases.
Greater payment for lean versus fat tissue results in higher optimal RAC concentrations being fed
for longer durations, given the same economic conditions.