Carcass and meat quality characteristics of the progeny of two swine sire lines reared under differing environmental conditions

• Published in: Meat science Vol. 63; no. 2; pp. 257 - 263
• Main Authors: Hamilton, D.N, Ellis, M, Wolter, B.F, McKeith, F.K, Wilson, E.R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Food industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Meat and meat product industries; Pork quality; Rearing environment; Sire line; Pork quality; Rearing environment; Sire line; Rearing management; Breeding line; Color; Meat product; Spacing; Technological properties; Water holding capacity; Texture; Carcass; Sire; Crowding; Pork
• ISSN: 0309-1740; 1873-4138
• DOI: 10.1016/S0309-1740(02)00079-7

The objective of this study was to compare the carcass and meat quality of pigs of two sire lines (A vs B) reared in either a spacious or crowded environment. A total of 128 pigs (barrows and gilts) were used in the study. Animals were slaughtered at 120 kg live weight. Dressing percentage was greater for line A in the spacious but not the crowded environment and line A had a greater loin eye area than line B. Compared to line B, the longissimus from line A had lower pH, higher L* and b* values, and was judged to be paler and softer with a lower marbling fat content. Longissimus L* values were lower for pigs reared in the crowded compared to the spacious environment. Longissimus drip loss was greater for line A compared to line B in the spacious but not the crowded environment. This study highlights genetic differences in pork quality and suggests rearing environment effects that warrant further study.