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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ractopamine intake at concentrations of 0 ppm (control), 10 ppm, 20 ppm and 40 ppm in the diet on the physiological and immunological parameters, through the analysis of hematological parameters and serum concentration of cortisol and lactate in 80 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of the GIFT strain, weighing 500 grams, randomly distributed in 16 water tanks with a capacity of 500 liters, with the density of 5 animals. Withdrawing from day 0 to 1 animal in each box, and every 20 days, 2 fish per box, totaling eight fish each treatment. They were collected blood samples for cortisol assay, lactate and haematological parameters (red blood cell count, white blood cells, total protein - PPT, packed cell volume. - VG, hemoglobin, lactate showed a significant decrease (p <0.05) at both times collection with 10 ppm (3.79 mmol / L to 20 days and 1.58 mmol / L at 40 days) and compared with the control (4.61 mmol / L at day 0, 4.78 mmol / L to 20 4.54 days and 40 days) and the same concentration differed compared with 40 ppm of ractopamine at 40 days (3.15 mmol / L) The parameters evaluated, cortisol, blood counts, white blood cells, packed cell volume. - VG, hemoglobin, showed no significant difference (p <0.05) between treatments and collection times. The results of this study did not demonstrate a physiological stress produced by ractopamine intake in concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 ppm for animals. However, more studies on the subject should be carried out so that the additive use is recommended securely on the welfare of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]