Effect of sex and slaughter weight on meat and fat quality of the Krškopolje pig reared in an enriched environment

Abstract

Improvements in meat quality are sought through sources of variation along the meat chain, including breed and production system. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine slaughter weight and sex effects on the meat quality of the indigenous Krškopolje pig breed reared in a feed-enriched indoor environment for the growing-finishing periods. Raised in this enriched environment, the intramuscular fat (IMF) content of the loin was 1.5–2.5% higher than previously reported for other production systems. Slaughter weight (119–132 kg or >135–170 kg) influences on meat colour and IMF composition were observed. Animals from the light group had lighter coloured meat with lower Japanese colour scores as well as higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) and lower monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) proportions in the IMF. A lower proportion of MUFA was also observed in the IMF from gilts than barrows. Furthermore, a higher proportion of SFA was found in the IMF from the gilts. However, the lower IMF content in the gilts negates any apparent compositional advantages between the sexes. The IMF content and composition of the Krškopolje pig reared in an enriched environment suggests good commercial potential of this breed.