Higher DII scores, indicating greater inflammatory potential of the diet, were directly associated with LGI, as measured by a composite score of plasma and cellular biomarkers of inflammation. These findings are consistent with the contributing role of diet-mediated inflammation in increasing risk for inflammation-related chronic diseases.

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The effects of different slaughter weights (W) and sex (S) on carcass traits and longissimus dorsi meat quality (pH, WHC, colour, cholesterol and collagen) of Casertana pigs were studied. Thirty-six pure breed Casertana pigs, 24 barrows (B) and 12 gilts (G), were evaluated in a 2x2 factorial design involving different slaughter live weights (L, 125.6 kg; H, 152.5 kg) and S (B and G). H pigs had higher carcass weight (P<0.01), dressing percentage (P<0.05), ham yield (+ 7.9 %; P<0.01), lean meat cuts (P<0.01) and backfat thickness (+13.3%; P<0.05), and lower (P<0.01) loin yield and fatty cuts. W did not affect pH and WHC. L pigs produced lighter (P<0.01) and more yellow meat (P<0.01), while H pigs showed lower (P<0.01) hue value. Cholesterol content resulted higher (P<0.05) in H pig meat. Collagen properties were affected by W. Compared to G, B had higher dressing percentage (P<0.05) and backfat thickness (P<0.01), smaller loin area (P<0.01), slightly lower (P<0.08) loin yield and less (P<0.01) lean cuts. S did not affect any meat quality traits