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PubMed2003

Increased maternal nutrition of sows has no beneficial effects on muscle fiber number or postnatal growth and has no impact on the meat quality of the offspring.

The objective of this study was to examine how increased feed intake of the sow during early to mid-gestation affects sow performance and the muscle fiber number, performance, and technological meat quality of the offspring. Thirty-nine pregnant sows (Landrace x Large White sows mated to Landrace or Large White boars) in their fourth parity were assigned to one of three treatments: 1) the sows were either fed restrictively (control = 15 MJ of NE/d from d 1 to 90, then 24 MJ of NE/d from d 91 to 112, and again 15 MJ of NE/d from d 113 to 115 of gestation); 2) fed ad libitum from d 25 to 50 (A25-50); or 3) ad libitum from d 25 to 70 (A25-70) and as control in the remaining periods. The offspring were weaned at 4 wk of age and had free access to feed from 2 wk of age until slaughter. They were slaughtered litterwise at an average body weight of 104 +/- 14 kg. Estimates for total, primary (P-), and secondary (S-) muscle fiber number; muscle fiber area; and DNA and RNA content were analyzed in semitendinosus muscle (ST) samples from the heaviest, middle, and lightest weight (LW) pigs of each sex within litter selected at slaughter. Technological meat quality traits (pH at 24 h postmortem, drip loss, Minolta color, and pigment) were analyzed in longissimus dorsi muscle. Fiber number, fiber area, and concentrations and content of DNA and RNA of the offspring were not significantly affected by increased maternal nutrition. The ST muscle weight was lower in offspring from A25-50 than control sows (P = 0.019). Average daily gain, carcass weight, and the muscle deposition rate also were numerically lower for A25-50 than control and A25-70 pigs. An interaction between treatment and pig weight was found for muscle deposition rate (P = 0.006), in that LW pigs from treatment A25-50 had a lower deposition rate than LW pigs from control. We found no effect of treatment on the meat quality traits in the offspring. Also, barrows had a higher (P < 0.05) number of P-fibers, higher daily gain, and carcass weight than female pigs. No differences were found on any meat quality traits between sexes. Thus, ad libitum feeding of pregnant sows from d 25 to 50 or d 25 to 70 of gestation did not have any beneficial effect on muscle fiber number and area in the offspring. It seems that maternal ad libitum feeding from d 25 to 50 in gestation had a negative effect on postnatal muscle growth, with especially the LW pigs being affected.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

PubMed2004

[Mapping quantitative trait loci for meat quality trait in a Large White x Meishan cross].

To search for the chromosome regions for quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting meat quality in pigs, a three-generation resource family was developed in China using three Large White grand sires and seven Meishan grand dams. A total of 147 F2 progenies derived from two populations in 1998 (n = 81) and 2000 (n = 66) were phenotyped for meat quality. All animals were typed for 48 microsatellite markers covering six chromosomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Linear model and least square analyses were used for interval mapping meat quality in jointed population and single population, permutation for empirical threshold. The strongest linkage at chromosome-wide level (P < 0.01) and genome-wide level (P < 0.05) on chromosome 4 affecting intramuscular fat (IMF) QTL from the population in 2000 was detected with explained phenotypic variance of 5.24%, and Meishan's QTL increased the intramuscular fat content. There was a suggestive QTL for IMF near the threshold of chromosome-wide in the same region in jointly population. The QTL for pH value in m. Semispinalis Capitis and m. Biceps Femoris were located on chromosomes 1 and 3, respectively. One and three QTL affecting WHC reached the thresholds of chromosome-wide level in the populations of 1998 and 2000, respectively. In the population of 1998, QTL for moisture content at chromosome-wide level was on SSC6 and in jointed populations were on SSC2, 6 and 7. There were imprinting effects in moisture content QTL, and Meishan and Large White pigs all had favorable effects influencing moisture on different chromosomes.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2001

Detection of quantitative trait loci for meat quality in a commercial slaughter pig cross.

The primary goal of this study was to localize quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting meat quality traits in swine. In total, 42 traits were scored on 305 F2 individuals from a commercial slaughter pig cross in Norway. F1 and F2 individuals were genotyped for 29 markers on Chromosomes (Chrs) 4, 6, and 7, since previous studies had revealed QTL affecting meat quality traits on these chromosomes. The most evident result was detection of a QTL affecting amount of intramuscular fat on Chr 6. The QTL might also influence tenderness, whereas no effect was observed for back-fat thickness. Additionally, suggestive evidence for QTL affecting other meat quality traits was found on Chr 4 and Chr 7.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effects of temperature during rearing and crating on stress parameters and meat quality of broilers.

Two trials were conducted to study the effects of heat stress during rearing (trial 1) and crating (trial 2) on broiler stress parameters and fear, breast meat quality, and nutrient composition. The relationships between stress parameters and meat quality traits were also determined. Trial 1 consisted of 3 temperature treatments from 3 to 7 wk: control (temperature was 22 degrees C); diurnal cyclic temperature (temperature was 28 degrees C from 1000 to 1700 h and 22 degrees C from 1700 to 1000 h); and constant high temperature (34 degrees C; temperature was 34 degrees C). In trial 2, broilers from the control and 34 degrees C groups in trial 1 were used. Broilers in each group were placed in transport cages. The 9 cages from the control group were divided into 3 groups and placed into 3 rooms at 15, 22, or 34 degrees C for 2 h. The 3 cages from the 34 degrees C group were also held in the room at 34 degrees C (34-34 degrees C). Diurnal cyclic temperature had no effect on BW up to 5 wk of age. The effect of 34 degrees C constant temperature on BW of broilers increased with age. Plasma levels of glucose and albumin increased by 34 degrees C, but no dramatic change in levels occurred when those broilers were crated at 34 degrees C. The heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) was higher for the 34-34 degrees C broilers and the control broilers in the 34 degrees C room than those from the 22 and 15 degrees C room. Breast muscle glycogen level decreased in broilers reared under diurnal cyclic or high temperatures. A lower pH and higher lightness (L*) and redness values and redness:yellowness were found in meat for broilers from both 34 degrees C and 34-34 degrees C groups. Higher H:L was associated with breast muscle pH according to first-order polynomial regression. The H:L had a significant effect on L* values, which were described by a second-order polynomial regression. Blood glucose level was positively correlated with L* and redness values. Duration of tonic immobility was neither influenced by rearing and crating temperatures nor associated with meat quality parameters.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

Evaluation of associations between prion haplotypes and growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in a Dorset x Romanov sheep population.

There is concern about potential antagonistic correlated responses due to intensive selection for scrapie-resistant haplotypes of the prion (PRNP) gene in sheep. The objective of the present research was to test for associations of PRNP haplotypes for codons 136, 154, and 171 with growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in an F2 Dorset x Romanov population (n = 415) segregating the 2 callipyge alleles. Haplotypes of the 3 PRNP codons were determined for each sheep, and breed of origin of each gamete was predicted by genotyping 6 microsatellite markers flanking the PRNP locus. Twenty-five growth, carcass, and meat quality traits were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a basic model consisting of fixed effects of year, sex, and callipyge genotype, the random effect of sire, and 7 covariates corresponding to the probability that a lamb inherited a specific PRNP haplotype of either Dorset or Romanov origin. A fixed effect of litter size was added to the model for growth traits. The model for carcass traits contained the linear and quadratic effects of chilled carcass weight and the interactions among callipyge genotype and linear and quadratic terms. For meat quality traits, the model contained chilled carcass weight as a covariate and the interaction between callipyge genotype and chilled carcass weight. A contrast between the resistant ARR haplotype and the average effect of other PRNP haplotypes was tested to investigate the effects of potential selection for ARR within each breed of origin (Dorset, ARR vs. ARQ, VRQ, and AHQ; Romanov, ARR vs. ARQ and VRQ). There was limited evidence that selecting for scrapie resistance would cause correlated responses due to linkage disequilibrium. Associations of only 3 traits with PRNP haplotypes were detected in either breed of origin. In Romanov, the ARR haplotype was associated with longer carcasses (P < 0.013), narrower rumps (P = 0.038), and less marbling (P = 0.022) than the average of ARQ and VRQ haplotypes. No significant contrasts were detected for Dorset. This study is the first to account for breed of origin while investigating haplotype associations in an F2 population. This study provided limited evidence of associations between PRNP haplotypes and growth, carcass, and meat quality traits.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Evaluation of Duroc- vs. Pietrain-sired pigs for carcass and meat quality measures.

Crossbred progeny sired by either Duroc or Pietrain boars, normal for the ryanodine receptor gene, were evaluated for carcass composition and meat quality. Boars from each breed were mated to Yorkshire or F1 Yorkshire-Landrace females. A total of 162 off-spring was evaluated for carcass and meat quality traits at a common age (approximately 26 wk of age). Duroc-sired progeny had heavier (108.0 vs. 103.0 kg, P < 0.001) and longer carcasses (86.9 vs. 84.8 cm, P < 0.01), whereas Pietrain-sired pigs had less backfat at the first rib (44.6 vs. 47.7 mm, P < 0.01), last lumbar vertebrae (20.9 vs. 23.0 mm, P < 0.05), and 10th rib (23.0 vs. 25.5 mm, P < 0.01). No difference between Pietrain and Duroc progeny was detected for fat depth at the last rib (27.8 vs. 28.8 mm, respectively). Pietrain progeny had a higher percentage of lean at slaughter (52.6 vs. 50.7, P < 0.05) and higher dressing percentage (74.0 vs. 73.1, P < 0.01). Primal cut weights were collected with Pietrain progeny having a greater percentage of carcass as ham (23.0 vs. 22.4, P < 0.01) and loin (21.6 vs. 21.2, P < 0.05), whereas Duroc progeny had a higher percentage of belly weight (12.0 vs. 11.7, P < 0.05). Percentages of Boston butt (8.8 vs. 9.0) and picnic shoulder (9.9 vs. 9.9) were similar for Duroc vs. Pietrain progeny. Total weight of these five primal cuts, as a percentage of carcass weight, was higher for Pietrain progeny (75.2 vs. 74.3, P < 0.01). With heavier carcass weight, Duroc progeny had greater primal cut weights as a function of age. Subjective meat quality scores for color, marbling, and firmness (1 to 5 scale) were more favorable for Duroc-sired progeny. Furthermore, chops from Duroc progeny had higher 24-h pH (5.53 vs. 5.48, P < 0.001) and Minolta a* (17.33 vs. 17.04, P < 0.05) with less percentage drip loss (2.88 vs. 3.80, P < 0.001). No differences were detected between Duroc- and Pietrain-sired progeny for Minolta L* (54.77 vs. 55.37) or b* (7.58 vs. 7.58) objective color scores, percentage cooking loss (28.63 vs. 29.23), or Warner-Bratzler shear force (6.94 vs. 7.11 kg). Both sire breeds have beneficial traits that can be utilized in commercial pork production and merit further study.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1995

Effects of preslaughter muscle exercise on muscle metabolism and meat quality studied in anesthetized pigs of different halothane genotypes.

The influence of preslaughter muscle activity was studied on porcine muscle metabolism and meat quality, whereas other stress factors were minimized. Muscle exercise was stimulated by electrical pulses in anesthetized pigs of different halothane genotypes (NN, Nn, nn). A part of the LM and SM was stimulated during the last 15 min of a 45-min period of anesthesia. The contralateral part of each muscle was taken as a non-stimulated control. Antemortem blood and muscle biopsy samples were taken to study the muscle energy metabolism by measuring different metabolites. The same metabolites and certain meat quality characteristics were determined after slaughter. Stimulated muscle exercise led to lower (P < .01) antemortem glycogen and creatine phosphate concentrations and increased (P < .01) lactate and creatine values in pigs of all halothane genotypes. No difference was seen between the three halothane genotypes in the measured glycogen breakdown just before slaughter. Postmortem glycolysis differed between pigs of different halothane genotypes. This resulted in lower (P < .05) glycogen and creatine phosphate values and higher (P < .05) lactate and creatine concentrations for nn pigs than for NN pigs, with intermediate metabolite concentrations for Nn pigs. Water-holding capacity was lower (P < .05) in exercised muscles of NN and Nn pigs than in the muscles of controls. Meat color was only lighter (P < .05) after muscle stimulation in NN pigs. The exercise did not deteriorate the already light color and lower water-holding capacity in nn pigs. Muscle pH can already be low at slaughter and is not only the result of an increased postmortem glycolysis. Preslaughter muscle exercise is relatively more important in determining meat quality from NN and Nn pigs.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Effect of withdrawing feed from swine on meat quality and prevalence of Salmonella colonization at slaughter.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether withholding feed from pigs prior to slaughter had any effects on meat quality, percentage of pigs with Salmonella spp in cecal contents during slaughter, or percentage of pigs with lacerations of the gastrointestinal tract during slaughter. DESIGN: Split-plot design. ANIMALS: 873 pigs. PROCEDURES: At the finishing barn, pigs were assigned to 30 pens. Feed withdrawal times were assigned to pens at random, and pigs in each pen were marketed in 3 groups. The first marketing group consisted of the 10 heaviest pigs in each pen, the second consisted of the next 10 heaviest pigs, and the third consisted of all remaining pigs. RESULTS: Withdrawing feed improved the redness score assigned to the meat but did not have any other significant effects on carcass composition or meat quality. The percentage of pigs with Salmonella spp in the cecal contents decreased from the first (73%) to the second (64%) to the third (52%) marketing group. However, isolation of Salmonella spp from cecal contents was not associated with feed withdrawal time or with pen prevalence of Salmonella shedding during the 2 months prior to slaughter. Feed withdrawal time and marketing group did not have any significant effects on overall prevalence of gastrointestinal tract lacerations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that withdrawal of feed from pigs prior to slaughter does not increase the prevalence of Salmonella colonization or the risk of carcass contamination associated with gastrointestinal tract lacerations during slaughter but only slightly enhances meat quality.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Correlated responses in growth, carcass, and meat quality traits to divergent selection for testosterone production in pigs.

The objective of this project was to characterize changes in growth, carcass yield, and meat quality traits in castrates and gilts in response to divergent selection for testosterone production. In generation 21, endogenous testosterone concentrations in Duroc boars of the high (HTL) and low (LTL) testosterone lines averaged 49.0 and 27.8 ng/mL (P < 0.01), respectively. Eight LTL and 10 HTL boars were used to sire 29 LTL and 33 HTL litters. To remove the effects of inbreeding, these same boars were mated to females of a Large White x Landrace composite (WC) to generate 11 WC by LTL litters (WLT) and 23 WC by HTL litters (WHT). Castrates and gilts were then allotted to LTL (n = 53), HTL (n = 61), WLT (n = 102), and WHT (n = 101) for testing. Growth and carcass traits analyzed included days to 114 kg (D114), ADG, backfat adjusted to 114 kg (ABF), LM area adjusted to 114 kg and predicted percent lean (PPL). Fat-O-Meater data collected were adjusted fat depth (AFD), adjusted loin depth, and percent lean. Meat quality traits characterized at 24 h postmortem included marbling score, percent lipid, pH, drip loss, color score, and Minolta L*, a*, and b*. Data were analyzed with a mixed model including fixed effects of line, mating type (purebred or crossbred), sex, and the random effect of sire nested within line. All possible interactions among fixed effects were tested. The HTL had fewer D114 (P < 0.05), greater ADG (P < 0.01), greater ABF (P < 0.01), and lower PPL (P < 0.01) than LTL. The WHT and WLT did not differ for D114, ADG, or ABF. The WHT had smaller LM area adjusted to 114 kg (P < 0.05) and greater drip loss (P < 0.05) than WLT. The WLT had lower adjusted loin depth (P < 0.05) than LTL and HTL. The LTL and HTL had greater subjective scores for marbling (P < 0.05) compared with WLT and WHT. The least squares mean for percent lipid for HTL and LTL was 4.00. The WHT had greater means for L*, a*, and b* (P < 0.05) than WLT. Pigs selected for increased testosterone production grew faster and produced fatter carcasses than pigs selected for decreased testosterone. Changes in growth, carcass yield, and meat quality traits were detected in castrates and gilts in response to divergent selection for testosterone production.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of slower-growing broiler genotypes grown with and without outdoor access: meat quality.

Consumer interest in organic and natural poultry products raised with outdoor access is growing. An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of outdoor access and genotype on meat quality. One slow-growing genotype (S), 2 medium-growing genotypes (M1 and M2), and a commercial fast-growing genotype (F) were raised (straight-run) for 81, 67, or 53 d, respectively. The placement date was staggered in order to achieve a similar final body weight. Each genotype was assigned to 3 pens of 24 birds each and raised in indoor floor pens in a naturally ventilated facility; the S and F genotypes were also assigned to 2 floor pens with outdoor access containing 36 birds each. All birds were provided with the same starter, grower, and finisher feeds, and birds were commercially processed. Pectoralis samples were collected at 6 h postmortem for proximate analysis and evaluation of meat quality. The principal effect of outdoor access was to make the meat more yellow in the case of the S genotype (P < 0.05) although not the F genotype (P > 0.05). Drip loss and cook loss (%) were affected (P < 0.05) by genotype, with the highest losses occurring with the S genotype and the lowest losses occurring with the F and M genotypes. Tenderness was affected (P < 0.05) by gender as well as production system but only in the F birds. Pectoralis dry matter (%), fat (%), and ash (%) were largely unaffected (P > 0.05) by genotype or outdoor access. These data indicate that meat quality differences exist among genotypes with very different growth rates and reared with or without outdoor access.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Influence of slaughter weight on growth and carcass characteristics, commercial cutting and curing yields, and meat quality of barrows and gilts from two genotypes.

Pigs representing two crossbred genotypes, a breeding company hybrid (BCH) and a three breed cross (Hampshire x [Yorkshire x Duroc]) (HYD) were evaluated at five slaughter weights (SLW): 100, 115, 130, 145, and 160 kg. A total of 160 pigs were grown in like-sex (barrows [B] or gilts [G]), like-genotype groups, with four pigs/group, from 60 kg live weight. A corn-soybean meal-based diet was available on an ad libitum basis (15.8% crude protein, 3,300 kcal/kg ME). One-half of the pigs from each group (80 pigs) were slaughtered for carcass and meat quality evaluation. Genotype BCH grew faster, had lower backfat depths in the loin and lumbar regions, and a smaller loin eye area than HYD, but both groups had a similar gain:feed ratio. Few consistent genotype differences in cutting and curing yields and meat quality were observed. Differences between sexes for growth and carcass traits were generally in agreement with previous research; however, the magnitude of the differences was small. There were few nonlinear regressions involving SLW and limited differences between genotypes or sexes in the slopes of the linear regressions. Increases in SLW were associated with increases in feed intake, backfat depth and loin' eye area, and minimal changes in growth rate or gain:feed. Percentage of loin increased and ham, shoulder, and spare rib percentages decreased with slaughter weight. The weight of trimmed, boneless cuts increased with slaughter weight, but percentage trimmed, boneless cuts was reduced. Curing yields for belly increased with slaughter weight. Changes in meat quality with increasing slaughter weight were relatively small. Longissimus lumborum fat content increased and moisture content decreased with slaughter weight. These results suggest that modern genotypes can be slaughtered at live weights up to 160 kg with limited impact on growth performance, commercial meat yields, or meat quality characteristics.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2002

Effects of feed deprivation and electrical, gas, and captive needle stunning on early postmortem muscle metabolism and subsequent meat quality.

The general method for stunning poultry before slaughter is by immersion of a chicken's head into an electrified waterbath. This method results in carcass and meat quality deficiencies. The major problems are hemorrhages and a delay in onset of rigor mortis, which increases the risk of cold shortening with early deboning. In two experiments, this study examines the early postmortem metabolism in the breast muscle and its effect on ultimate meat quality. The first experiment describes the effects of 5 h feed deprivation on the availability of glycogen from the liver and the breast muscle, of waterbath and head-only electrical stunning on pH and metabolite levels up to 6 h in unprocessed muscle, and the consequences on meat quality. The second experiment compares the same measurements after waterbath and head-only electrical stunning, CO2/O2/N2 and Ar/CO2 gases, and captive needle stunning. Metabolic degradation halted after 6 h without processing or after 4 h under conventional conditions after waterbath and CO2/O2/N2 stunning. With other stunning methods, this occurrence is at a faster rate, largely depending on muscle activity. Muscle glycogen does not need to be exhausted for energy generation to cease. If glycogen is a limiting factor, as found with head-only stunning, pH drops too rapidly and affects water-holding capacity and color. Hemorrhage scores were higher with electrical stunning than with other stunning methods. Gas stunning affected color and, to a lesser extent, water-holding capacity. Captive needle stunning scored between gas and electrical stunning on most measurements.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2000

Polyethylene glycol as a means for reducing the impact of condensed tannins in carob pulp: effects on lamb growth performance and meat quality.

We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects that a diet containing condensed tannins with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) has on lamb growth and meat quality. Twenty-three male Comisana lambs were introduced to the three experimental diets between 45 and 50 d of age. Eight were given a diet containing 56% of Ceratonia siliqua (carob) pulp (tannin group), another eight received the same diet with a supplement of 40 g of PEG for each kilogram of diet (PEG group), and the remaining seven lambs were given a conventional maize-based diet (maize group). Voluntary feed intake and live weights were measured until slaughter at 105 d of age, and digestibility measurements were undertaken toward the end of the feeding trial. Carcass yield, meat quality characteristics, and a taste panel evaluation were conducted. The tannin-based diet contained 2.5% condensed tannins (DM basis), and lambs given this diet had lower growth rates and poorer feed efficiencies (P < .01) compared with the other treatment groups. Daily gain was similar between the maize and PEG lambs, although the efficiency of feed conversion was highest in the maize group. The digestibility of DM, N, and fiber was reduced (P < .05) by the condensed tannins. Lambs fed the tannin diet had a lower carcass yield (P < .05) and had less fat (P < .05), and the meat had a higher ultimate pH (P < .01) than those given the PEG or maize diets. Condensed tannins affected meat color, which was lighter (L*) than meat from lambs given the PEG-containing diet (P < .01). Sensory evaluation showed that panelists preferred meat from lambs receiving PEG and maize treatments compared with those receiving the tannin diet, and this could be related to differences in meat ultimate pH and carcass fatness. These results show that condensed tannins from carob pulp are very detrimental to feed digestibility and lamb performance. Inclusion of 40 g of PEG/kg diet eliminated the effects of condensed tannins so that lamb performance and meat quality were similar to lambs given a maize-based diet.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2000

The effect of the Halothane and Rendement Napole genes on carcass and meat quality characteristics of pigs.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the Halothane (N) and Rendement Napole (RN) genes on carcass and meat quality characteristics in pigs. Halothane and RN carrier (Nn/RN- rn+) Hampshire boars (n = 4) were mated to dams that were homozygous for the normal allele of both genes (NN/rn+ rn+) to produce progeny of four genotypes: 1, NN/rn+ rn+ (n = 31); 2, Nn/rn+ rn+ (n = 27); 3, NN/RN- rn+) (n = 30); and 4, Nn/RN- rn+ (n = 23). A DNA test was used to determine Halothane genotype, and longissimus glycolytic potential was used to predict the RN genotype. Pigs were reared under standard conditions to approximately 120 kg live weight and slaughtered at a commercial plant, and carcass characteristics and meat quality were evaluated. Halothane carriers (Nn/ _ _), in comparison to Halothane normal (NN/_ _) pigs, had shorter carcasses, lower longissimus ultimate pH, higher Minolta L* and b* values, and greater drip loss. Rendement Napole gene carriers (_ _/RN- rn+) had higher L* and b* values and drip and cooking loss and lower longissimus ultimate pH than homozygous recessive animals (_ _/rn+ rn+). There were Halothane x RN genotype interactions (P < 0.05) for subjective color, firmness, and marbling scores, and for shear force. Animals that were normal for both genes (NN/rn+ rn+) had the highest subjective scores for color (2.60, 1.88, 1.85, and 1.95, SE = 0.181, P < 0.05), firmness (2.53, 2.03, 2.10, and 1.89, SE = 0.182, P < 0 .05), and marbling (2.11, 1.44, 1.53, and 1.55, SE = 0.153, P < 0 .05) for genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, suggesting darker, firmer muscle with a higher level of marbling for this genotype. Shear force was highest for Nn/rn+ rn+ animals (3.83, 4.41, 3.79, and 3.70, respectively, SE = 0.172, P < 0.05). Gilts had less s.c. backfat thickness, greater longissimus muscle area, and lower subjective marbling scores than barrows. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of gender on other meat quality traits. This study illustrates the negative effects of the Halothane and RN genes on fresh pork quality and suggests that in combination the detrimental effects of the two genes are additive for ultimate pH, objective color, and water-holding capacity.

Alleles↗

PubMed1996

The growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of halothane carrier and negative pigs.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of halothane carrier (Nn) and negative (NN) pigs grown from 40 kg live weight and slaughtered at three weights (110, 125, and 140 kg live weight) were studied. Daily gains were similar for the two genotypes (974 g for Nn and 964 g for NN), but Nn pigs had a higher gain:feed ratio than NN pigs (P < .01). Dressing percentage was higher in Nn pigs than in NN pigs (P < .001), but there were no genotype differences for carcass length, backfat thickness, or loin eye area. Percentage yield of trimmed, boneless wholesale cuts was higher for Nn pigs than for NN pigs (P < .05). This resulted from higher trimmed, boneless ham, boston, and picnic weights (P < .05) in Nn than in NN pigs (6.9, 3.2, 3.5 kg vs 6.6, 3.0, 3.4 kg, respectively). The weight of fat-free lean was higher in Nn pigs (P < .05). The longissimus thoracis muscle from carrier pigs had lower 45 min (P < .001) and 24 h (P < .01) pH. Longissimus lumborum samples from carriers had lower (P < .001) subjective' meat quality scores and a higher drip loss (P < .001); however, cooking loss, eating quality, and shear force values were similar for the two genotypes. There were no important slaughter weight x genotype interactions for the traits reported. Overall, the data from this study suggest Nn pigs had an advantage over NN pigs in terms of feed efficiency, carcass yield fat-free lean content, and commercial lean cut yields but had a higher incidence of PSE.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2000

Effects of modified tall oil and creatine monohydrate on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs.

The effects of feeding modified tall oil (MTO) and creatine monohydrate (CMH) on growing-finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were determined. Eighty cross-bred barrows (initially 45.4 kg) were allotted randomly to one of four dietary treatments by weight and ancestry. The experiment was arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial with two levels of MTO (0 or 0.50%), which were fed throughout the growing-finishing period, and two levels of CMH (0 or 25 g/d), which were fed for the final 10 d before slaughter. The corn-soybean meal diets were fed in two phases (45.4 to 78.9 kg and 78.9 to 117.5 kg BW). When CMH was added to the diet in place of corn, average BW was 107.5 kg. Feeding MTO increased (P < 0.05) ADG and gain:feed ratio (G/F) during the 45.4- to 78.9-kg growth interval and tended to improve (P = 0.10) G/F during the 45.4- to 107.5-kg growth interval. Dietary treatment did not affect (P > 0.15) growth performance during the 78.9- to 107.5-kg growth interval. Modified tall oil increased (P = 0.02) G/F during the 10-d CMH supplementation period, and CMH numerically (P = 0.11) increased ADG and G/F. Supplementation of CMH did not affect (P > 0.20) any measured carcass characteristic or measures of meat quality at 24 h or 14 d postmortem. Feeding MTO reduced average back-fat (P = 0.05) and 10th rib backfat (P = 0.01) but did not affect (P > 0.10) other measured carcass characteristics or measures of meat quality at 24 h postmortem. Modified tall oil increased (P = 0.02) L* values (lightness) and tended to increase (P < 0.10) thawing and cooking losses of longissimus muscle chops at 14 d postmortem. These data demonstrate that MTO improves growth performance and reduces backfat in growing-finishing pigs, but supplementation of CMH, under the conditions of this experiment, was not beneficial for growing-finishing pigs.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2004

Characterization of quantitative trait loci for growth and meat quality in a cross between commercial breeds of swine.

A three-generation resource family was created by crossing two Berkshire grandsires with nine Yorkshire granddams to identify QTL affecting growth, body composition, and meat quality. A total of 512 F2 offspring were evaluated for 11 traits related to growth and body composition and 28 traits related to meat quality. All animals were initially genotyped for 125 markers across the genome. The objectives of this advanced phase of the project were to further identify and characterize QTL after genotyping for another 33 markers in special regions of interest, and to develop and apply methods for detecting QTL with parent-of-origin effects. New marker linkage maps were derived and used in QTL analysis based on line-cross least squares regression-interval mapping. A decision tree for identifying QTL with parent-of-origin effects was developed based on tests against the Mendelian mode of expression. Empirical significance thresholds were derived at chromosomewise and genomewise levels using specialized permutation strategies to create data under the null hypothesis appropriate for each test. Significance thresholds derived by the permutation tests were validated based on simulation of a pedigree and data structure similar to the Berkshire-Yorkshire population. The addition of 33 markers resulted in the discovery of 29 new QTL at the 5% chromosomewise level using the Mendelian model of analysis. Thirteen of the original QTL were no longer significant at the 5% chromosomewise level. A total of 33 QTL with parent-of-origin effects were identified, including QTL with paternal expression for backfat and loin muscle area on chromosome 2, near IGF2, and QTL with maternal expression for drip loss and reflectance on chromosome 9. Tests for imprinting against Mendelian expression identified much fewer QTL with parent-of-origin effects than tests based on significance of paternal and maternal alleles, which have been used in other studies. The detected QTL and their identified mode of expression will allow further research in these QTL regions and their utilization in marker-assisted improvement of meat quality.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1993

Effect of preslaughter anesthesia on muscle metabolism and meat quality of pigs of different halothane genotypes.

Pigs of different halothane genotypes were anesthetized 45 min before slaughter. During the period of anesthesia blood samples and muscle biopsy samples were taken to investigate muscle energy metabolism by measuring different metabolites. After exsanguination, the same metabolites and some meat quality characteristics were determined. Minimal differences in resting muscle metabolism seemed to exist between the halothane genotypes. Some significant differences in ante- and postmortem metabolism were found, particularly in creatine and lactate concentrations, but these were not reflected in ultimate meat quality. None of the pigs showed PSE meat and there were no differences in muscle pH and temperature at 45 min and 18 h postmortem. However, rigor, drip loss, and color still showed a significant genotype effect. It was concluded that due to the method of anesthesia there were no differences in muscle metabolism at the moment of slaughter. This may have led to a more uniform ultimate meat quality between pigs differing in their genetic susceptibility toward stress. There were differences in color and drip loss between the halothane genotypes that cannot be explained by differences in pH and carcass temperature at 45 min postmortem.

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