Evaluation of three pig crossbreed types with respect to strategies to improve the meat quality: MHS genotype rather than crossbreed type influences drip loss

Abstract

Abstract. While focussing on drip loss, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate routine parameters of technological meat quality, conductivity, pH for prediction of drip loss and means to discriminate superior carcasses suitable for premium meat programs at slaughter. Thus, 534 carcasses of three commercially available crossbred pigs were examined and effects of crossbreed type and stress susceptibility type (MHS genotype NN or NP) on carcass traits and meat quality characteristics were evaluated. The animals were produced and slaughtered under commercial conditions. Finally we simulated a meat quality program based on electrical conductivity measurements that aimed at exclusion of inferior carcasses in terms of drip loss. NN carcasses yielded 2 % less drip loss compared to NP carcasses. Comparing the crossbreds, breed S pigs appeared most favourable because of lowest drip. Most probably that is due to the 25 % Duroc proportion of that crossbred compared to 0 % Duroc in the competitive crossbreds. Of all quality indicators obtained, conductivity measured 24 h p.m. (EC24) was closest related to drip loss. Above all breeds, a remarkable decrease of drip can be achieved by application of EC24 measurements and corresponding sorting of the carcasses. Therefore, to establish a meat quality program, careful consideration of crossbred, MHS genotype and discrimination of superior carcasses at slaughter based on EC24 measurements is recommended.