Comparison reproductive, growth performance, carcass and meat quality of Liangshan pig crossbred with Duroc and Berkshire genotypes and heterosis prediction

Abstract

BackgroundThe Liangshan breed of pig is well known for its excellent meat quality attributes, but poor carcass quality and growth attributes have limited its economic value. By crossing the Liangshan with western breeds that have strong growth attributes may improve the general performance of the breed. ObjectivesThe objective of this research was to study the effects of slaughter age and cross-breeding on reproduction, growth, carcass, meat quality, and to estimate the heterosis values of the various traits. MaterialsSamples were taken from 636 pigs of three different genotypes [Liangshan pure breed (LS), Duroc-Liangshan cross (DL), and Berkshire-Liangshan cross (BL)]. ResultsDL and BL F1 generations showed improved reproductive and growth traits than purebred Liangshan pigs. DL and BL had better carcass quality than LS, with a significant reduction in backfat thickness and sebum rate. Crossbreeds had higher L24 h and shear force, and lower marbling scores than LS. Drip loss in DL was markedly lower than in LS and BL, but BL had the lowest cooking loss, higher L45 min and pH45 min. By estimating heterosis, reproduction traits were significantly improved in both DL and BL. Growth performance showed no significant difference among the breeds. Backfat thickness and loin muscle area was significantly improved in the DL and BL breeds, although there was no difference in lean percentage and sebum rate. BL showed improved heterosis, with excellent intramuscular fat, higher pH45 min, lower L45 min and cooking loss. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that crossing Berkshire with Liangshan pigs could be an alternative genotype in the commercial pork production system.