The influence of breed, gender, and PSS (Halothane) genotype on meat quality, cooking loss, and palatability of pork

Abstract

A total 851 swine of four breeds (Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, and Yorkshire), three genders (barrows, gilts, and boars) and two PSS (halothane) genotypes (carriers and non-carriers of the halothane gene) were evaluated for meat quality, cooking, and palatability traits. Breed exerted a major influence on meat quality, cooking, and palatability traits. The most palatable meat was produced by Hampshires and the least desirable meat was produced by Yorkshires. Although juiciness was negatively correlated with cooking loss ( r=−0.60), meat from Hampshires received the highest ratings for juiciness, despite sustaining the greatest cooking losses. Gender exerted minor influences on meat quality and palatability attributes, and no indication was obtained genders differed sufficiently in palatability to warrant discrimination based upon gender. Therefore, entire males can be utilized to capitalize on reported production advantages without influencing palatability, particularly if adequate means for screening boar taint are available for carcasses from heavier or more mature animals. Halothane genotype exerted substantial influence on meat quality traits and statistically significant but relatively minor influence on palatability traits. Carriers of the halothane gene produced meat which was of clearly inferior quality to the meat produced by non-carriers. Carriers of the halothane gene consistently produced a higher proportion of unacceptable chops than non-carriers, although differences were not statistically significant.