The Quality and Health-Promoting Value of Meat from Pigs of the Native Breed as the Effect of Extensive Feeding with Acorns.

Magdalena Szyndler-Nędza,Władysław Migdał,Małgorzata Świątkiewicz,Łukasz Migdał

doi:10.3390/ani11030789

Abstract

Simple SummaryModern society is paying more attention to the quality of meat and its production system. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the possibility of using a native pig breed—Złotnicka Spotted. This breed’s popularity has increased in Poland as it may be a good source of valuable meat. Compared to the meat frompigs of the same breed following intensive fattening, the meat from free-range pigs extensively fed on silage and small amounts of acorns is characterized by a higher content of fat, which acts as a carrier for flavor and, indirectly, juiciness. Moreover, rearing systems with traditional feeding, e.g., with the use of acorns, may have a positive effect on meat quality, dietetic value, and, therefore, consumer acceptance of the product.The popularity of meat from animals of native breeds is growing all over the world, due to consumer belief regarding its higher quality compared to meat from industrial farm animals. In addition, the living conditions (welfare) are of great importance for consumers. We observed the effect of different ways of keeping and feeding pigs of the same conservative breed on the quality of meat and its health benefits. The aim of the study was to compare the meat quality from pigs of the native Złotnicka Spotted breed, fattened intensively or extensively (with conventional farm-produced compound feed and acorns). The meat from free-range pigs extensively fed on silage and small amounts of acorns was characterized by a higher content of fat, which acts as a carrier for flavor and juiciness, as well as higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p ≤ 0.05) and lower atherogenic, thrombogenic, and peroxidability indices (p ≤ 0.05). It may be stated that the meat quality of the native pig breed is significantly dependent on the housing and feeding method. A more beneficial effect on the quality of meat and its dietetic value, as well as its susceptibility to rancidity, can be obtained throughextensive pig feeding with roughage and the addition of acorns.

Highlights

The diets did not differ in the total amount of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), but showed distinct differences in the proportions of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and PUFAs (Table 1)
We reported a significantly lower content of C14:0 in meat frompigs fed with acorn, we did not find any differences in atherogenicity index (AI) between both groups to differ statistically (p = 0.085)
It may be stated that the meat quality of the native Złotnicka Spotted pig is dependent on the housing and feeding method

Summary

Introduction

Some consumers consider the traditional extensive pig production system as synonymous with product quality [1]. Intensive animal production systems, such as those practiced in pig and poultry production, are being questioned because of impaired welfare, as these animals are kept in total confinement, representing an unnatural environment. An increasing numberof consumers arewilling to pay more for pork products with social assurances, in addition to associating the free-range products with a better taste and nutritional value than conventionally produced products [2]. This obviously opens niche markets for naturally produced pork. The traditional fattening of native breed pigs in Poland is predominantly different from the fattening of lean pigs; it is less intensive, and animals have more freedom to express natural behavior patterns

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion