The inclusion of Duroc breed in maternal line affects pork quality and fatty acid profile

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different percentages of Duroc (D) breed in maternal line [Landrace (LR)×Large White (LW); LR×(LW×D); LR×D] and gender on meat quality and intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous (SCF) fatty acid composition. No significant differences were found among dam lines in ultimate pH, L* values and drip and cooking losses. There were higher percentages of saturated fatty acids in LR×D and LR×(LW×D) lines and higher percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids in LR×LW line in IMF and SCF. Also, LR×D line produced pork with a lower Warner–Bratzler shear force values and higher IMF content and potential of lipid oxidation. Furthermore, the L*, a* and b* values and drip loss were greater in pork from entire males than females. The IMF and SCF of females were more monounsaturated and less polyunsaturated than those from entire males.