Relationship between meat colour and feed efficiency in pigs

Abstract

Data from Danish Progeny Testing Stations were used to investigate the relationship between the colour of meat and feed efficiency in pigs. For groups slaughtered during the summer there was a highly significant correlation. As the amount of feed consumed per unit live-weight gain declined so the meat became paler. For groups slaughtered in winter and for data pooled over the whole year, there was no significant correlation. Possible explanations of these findings are discussed.