Pork Products Research Articles

The relationship between the well-being and fatness of sows with a fixed content on the farrowing site in the conditions of industrial technology

The aim of the study was to assess the well-being of sows at a farrowing site with a fixed content in the conditions of industrial pork production technology. The object of the study was suckling sows contained in BDSwing machines on lattice floors. The Welfare Quality® protocol was used for the assessment, modified in accordance with local production features. The well-being of the sows was assessed on the first day after farrowing and again on the 15th day of the suckling period. When processing the data, the total welfare score of the sows was calculated. The fatness of the sows was determined by the thickness of the fat above the last rib on the 30th day of pregnancy and at weaning at 28 days. The statistical analysis was performed using the statistical programming environment R. The reliability of differences between groups of animals in fatness on the 30th day of pregnancy and at weaning was assessed by the Kraskel-Wallis method. Pairwise comparisons were carried out with the Hill correction. In the group of well–off sows, the total score was 0.62 points, while for the conditionally well-off, this parameter was already 2.51 points and the disadvantaged – 4.9 points. The re-evaluation was carried out on the 15th day after farrowing by the same researcher. With minor changes in the total assessment of animals (0.59, 2.49 and 5.12 points, respectively), there is an increase in the total assessment in the group of disadvantaged sows, as well as the movement of animals from one group to another in the direction of aggravation of the condition. Significant differences in fatness between well-off and conditionally well-off and dysfunctional sows on the 30th day of pregnancy were determined. At the same time, although healthy sows differed in the smallest fat thickness, during pregnancy and suckling period, in this group the least loss of fatness to weaning was noted (-0.3 mm).

СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ И ОСНОВНЫЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РАЗВИТИЯ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ СЕЛЬСКОГО ХОЗЯЙСТВА

The material and technical base of agriculture is the most important indicator that directly affects the volume and efficiency of agricultural production. During the period of market reforms in the Russian Federation, the agricultural sector of the economy and its material and technical base have undergone significant negative quantitative and qualitative changes. Over the past 10-15 years, with the arrival of large capital in domestic agriculture, it has been possible to stop the destructive processes in the formation of the material and technical base and ensure its renewal mainly in the most profitable sub-sectors of agriculture, which has allowed the country to significantly increase production of grain, sunflower, sugar beet, pork and poultry meat. The methodological basis of the research consists of general scientific methods such as synthesis, analysis, comparison, as well as a special research method such as content analysis of official documents. Increasing domestic production of agricultural machinery has become a priority for the Russian government, which is why the state provides incentives for manufacturers to localize as part of its strategy to achieve goals aimed at ensuring that 80% of agricultural machinery used in Russia is produced domestically, which will triple the total volume of equipment production and increase exports of agricultural machinery by 12 times. in 2030. The key problem of the development of the domestic agro-industrial complex is the high level of wear and tear of agricultural machinery. In the Russian Federation, the availability of equipment for livestock farms is about 40%, and its wear reaches 85%. A similar situation is observed in the processing industries of the agro-industrial complex. The installed technological machines and equipment in these industries are physically and morally outdated. The wear of agricultural machinery reaches about 50%. There is a need to improve the areas of government support, create specific conditions for the government to influence the processes of ensuring food security in the country and implement an export-oriented agricultural development strategy. Consequently, starting in 2020, Russia has a new mechanism for allocating subsidies to agriculture. Changes in government support will help the regions develop their priority and specific areas, which in the long term will contribute to improving the efficiency of allocated budget funds.

Characteristics identification and mitigating potentials of provincial gaseous reactive nitrogen emissions from livestock and poultry breeding systems in China.

The growth of population and changes in dietary structure have led to a continuous increase in demand for livestock and poultry products, resulting in the increase of the gaseous reactive nitrogen (GNr) emissions from livestock and poultry breeding systems and posing a threat to the human and ecosystem health. The characteristics from GNr emissions of six livestock and poultry breeding systems at the provincial level of China in 2020 were evaluated with the framework of life cycle analysis. Additionally, this study explored the impact of silage maize replacing traditional maize as feed on reducing GNr emissions. The GNr emissions from producing 1 ton of beef were the highest, approximately 9 times higher than those from producing 1 ton of milk. The GNr emissions for production of 1 ton of pork and egg were the biggest in Zhejiang. And the biggest emissions for 1 ton of beef, mutton, chicken and milk production were in Xizang, Shaanxi, Guangdong, and Guangxi, respectively. The total GNr emissions from pork production were highest. Compared with other stages, the stages of manure management and feed production contributed the majority of GNr emissions. Assuming that all the feed crops required for the production of livestock and poultry products in 2020 were locally grown, the total GNr emissions from the production of livestock and poultry products of China in 2020 were 6143.94ktN, indicated that local emissions in China only accounted for 57.90%. Moreover, when the substitution rate of silage maize reached 100%, the GNr emissions from livestock and poultry breeding systems would be reduced by 10.05% (324.98ktN). This study provided a detailed and spatial overview of the GNr emissions in livestock and poultry production in China, which could support reducing GNr emissions in livestock and poultry breeding systems for decision-makers and air pollution control.

An Efficient, Organic Solvent-Free Method for Extraction and Concentration of Hepatitis E Virus from Pig Liver

Abstract The presence of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pork products, particularly in pig liver has been frequently described. However, a standardized method is not still available for the detection of HEV in foods, particularly in those difficult food matrixes such as pig meat and pork products. The aim of this study was to design, optimize and evaluate a new method of food-separation and virus concentration for HEV in pig liver samples. This method is based on organic flocculation and avoids the use of organic solvents. The virus recovery rates and analytical sensitivity of the method using murine norovirus MNV-1 as a surrogate were 73.6–82.2% and at least 1 × 103 TCID50 per g of liver in 100% of the replicates, respectively. Furthermore, this new methodology was validated by testing the presence of HEV RNA in naturally infected pig liver samples, comparing it with two other commonly used concentration methods. The new extraction method run satisfactory in comparison with the two reference methods; statistically equivalent (p < 0.05) to one of the methods used while presented statistically significant better results (p < 0.05) compared to the second method. Consequently, our results indicate that the new extraction method can be an adequate cost-effective and ecologically friendly alternative for the food separation and concentration of HEV RNA in pig liver samples.

Assessing the price effects of African swine fever in the China market

Aim: African swine fever is a viral disease that has affected the pig business in several nations worldwide. One of the most serious diseases affecting the hog business significantly influences China’s meat sector, as the country is one of the biggest pork consumers. The main objective of the current study is to examine the impact of the breakdown on hog meat output and prices in the China region. Several factors, such as market supply and demand, disease outbreaks, and governmental policies, have caused fluctuations in the price of pigs in China since 2018. Methods: The acquired data was first evaluated using a descriptive technique. The price fluctuation caused by African swine disease during the studied time was then evaluated using a t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient system, and polynomial regression. Results: In the analyzed period from 2015 to 2021, African swine fever outbreak impacts were detected in pork supply and price distribution. The outbreak lowers the output of hog meat, raising the stock price and influencing other meat products’ prices. Polynomial regression analysis employs the correlation between the decreased level of pork supply and the increased price of live pigs. The price of live pigs ranged from 10.57 RMB/kg to 37.10 RMB/kg, with a median of 15.60 RMB/kg and a mean of 21.43 RMB/kg. This suggests a significant increase in prices in comparison to stock levels, which could be a sign of the impact of exogenous disruptions of African swine fever on market dynamics. Conclusions: Findings emphasize that such disruption has a negative effect on the supply and demand balance. Moreover, it negatively affects pork production and price distribution. The results highlight that prices are increasing significantly as a consequence of viral outbreaks and decreased pork production.

Effectiveness of Cold Smoking on Inactivating Murine Norovirus in Salami-Like Pork Sausages (Mettwurst), and Hepatitis E Virus and Murine Norovirus in Solution

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic virus that infects humans when virus-containing pork products are consumed. This study aimed to explore MNV (murine norovirus) and HEV inactivation during cold smoking and ripening/fermentation treatments used for salami-like sausages (mettwurst). MNV inactivation was monitored in culture medium solution and in sausage while being subjected to a salami-like sausage manufacturing process. The inactivation of MNV in the solution was also monitored at room temperature (RT) for four weeks. HEV inactivation was monitored in solution during the cold smoking process and at RT. A TCID50 assay was used to calculate the infectious MNV and HEV titres. MNV survival was modelled using Bayesian inference. MNV load in solution decreased by as much as 4.7 (SD 0.9) log10 TCID50/ml when it was subjected to the cold smoking process. Modelling revealed that 99.999% MNV might be inactivated during the treatment when observed at a level of 95% CI (Bayesian Confidence Interval). On the contrary, MNV load decreased by only 1.8 (0.2) log10 when stored at RT. The low-titre HEV in solution was inactivated (> 1.1 (0.2) log10) when treated, and at RT. However, MNV was resistant in the sausage matrix during the cold smoking process (log10 reduction of 1.9 (0.5) TCID50/ml). Based on modelling, a substantial amount of virus would remain in the product, even when the uncertainty was considered. Hence, viruses, here exemplified by MNV, may not be inactivated from salami-like pork sausages during manufacturing, which poses a risk for consumers in real-life situations.

Umbilical outpouchings in pigs – an international survey on fitness for transport, welfare and management

BackgroundUmbilical outpouchings (UOs) in pigs are a multifactorial disease and little is known about effective prevention strategies and risk factors for UO development. UOs are common in Danish pigs and legislation complicates and increases the cost of keeping and raising pigs with UO. Recommendations for preventive measures exist but the scientific evidence behind the recommendations is often lacking. This study´s purpose was to investigate veterinarians’ perspectives on UO pigs´ fitness for transport, the welfare of UO pigs, the significance of UO, risk factors for the development of UO, and the management of pigs with UO. This study´s purpose was to investigate veterinarians’ perspectives on UO pigs´ fitness for transport, the welfare of UO pigs, the significance of UO, risk factors for the development of UO, and the management of pigs with UO.ResultsThe survey received 93 complete responses from veterinarians working within porcine health management. Because of the large proportion of replies from Danish veterinarians, all reporting of results was divided among Danish and non-Danish veterinarians. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the assessment of fitness for transport. Both groups mainly agreed to a series of statements regarding the significance of UO and risk factors for UO development. The management of UO was also similar across the groups except for the use of neonatal antibiotics which was used considerably more in Danish herds.ConclusionsUmbilical outpouchings seem to be perceived as a challenge across pork production; affecting the welfare of the individual pig as well as the management of the entire production. There were no significant differences between Danish and non-Danish veterinarians’ assessments of fitness for transport, and almost all the veterinarians agreed that some UO pigs might need special attention and care. Most would also recommend preventive measures. Despite most respondents in this survey working under the laws of the European Union, some were unaware of legislation regarding UO pigs.

Ethical food consumption in the digital age: Consumer attitudes towards digitally monitored animal welfare in pork products.

Climate change is an emerging global reality with widespread effects on ecosystems and human communities. However, its significant impact on livestock animals often goes underdiscussed as more focus is given to impact of livestock production on climate change. Implementing high-welfare systems, such as digital monitoring of animals, can help mitigate climate-related challenges by reducing temperature fluctuations and controlling disease spread. Despite the potential benefits, consumer acceptance of this digital innovation remains uncertain. This study examines consumer attitudes toward digitally monitored animal welfare practices, aiming to understand their acceptance and the values they associate with these practices. It investigates the role of digital technology in enhancing consumer decision-making by addressing animal welfare concerns. Using means-end chain theory and Schwartz's value typology, the research explores the motivational layers and product attributes tied to consumer values. Semi-structured interviews with twenty pork consumers revealed hierarchical relationships between product attributes, benefits, and values. Analysis through NVivo 14 and LadderUX software generated themes and a hierarchical value map. The findings indicate that consumers prioritise attributes such as animal diets, stress-free environments, humane processing practices, and health conditions, linking these to both ethical and hedonic values. Intrinsic attributes like product appearance and freshness are crucial for at-home consumption decisions, while sustainable packaging also plays a role. The study also found differences in consumer behaviour based on the consumption context, with ethical decision-making often shifting to restaurateurs when dining out. The research underscores the importance of transparency, ethical practices, and product quality in influencing consumer decisions, providing actionable insights for marketing strategies that promote ethical consumption and improve animal welfare standards.

Single-Nucleus RNA Sequencing Reveals Cellular Transcriptome Features at Different Growth Stages in Porcine Skeletal Muscle.

Porcine latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) is a crucial source of pork products. Meat quality indicators, such as the proportion of muscle fibers and intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition, vary during the growth and development of pigs. Numerous studies have highlighted the heterogeneous nature of skeletal muscle, with phenotypic differences reflecting variations in cellular composition and transcriptional profiles. This study investigates the cellular-level transcriptional characteristics of LDM in large white pigs at two growth stages (170 days vs. 245 days) using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). We identified 56,072 cells across 12 clusters, including myofibers, fibro/adipogenic progenitor (FAP) cells, muscle satellite cells (MUSCs), and other resident cell types. The same cell types were present in the LDM at both growth stages, but their proportions and states differed. A higher proportion of FAPs was observed in the skeletal muscle of 245-day-old pigs. Additionally, these cells exhibited more active communication with other cell types compared to 170-day-old pigs. For instance, more interactions were found between FAPs and pericytes or endothelial cells in 245-day-old pigs, including collagen and integrin family signaling. Three subclasses of FAPs was identified, comprising FAPs_COL3A1+, FAPs_PDE4D+, and FAPs_EBF1+, while adipocytes were categorized into Ad_PDE4D+ and Ad_DGAT2+ subclasses. The proportions of these subclasses differed between the two age groups. We also constructed differentiation trajectories for FAPs and adipocytes, revealing that FAPs in 245-day-old pigs differentiated more toward fibrosis, a characteristic reminiscent of the high prevalence of skeletal muscle fibrosis in aging humans. Furthermore, the Ad_PDE4D+ adipocyte subclass, predominant in 245-day-old pigs, originated from FAPs_PDE4D+ expressing the same gene, while the Ad_DGAT2+ subclass stemmed from FAPs_EBF1+. In conclusion, our study elucidates transcriptional differences in skeletal muscle between two growth stages of pigs and provides insights into mechanisms relevant to pork meat quality and skeletal muscle diseases.

New insights into the epidemiology of Streptococcus suis in pig production systems using whole genome sequencing.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major pathogen for pigs, causing large economic losses to the swine industry. Moreover, this bacterium has a zoonotic potential, being capable of infecting humans in close contact with pigs or, less frequently, through contact with pork products. Given its importance in both veterinary and public health, S. suis remains a key topic of research. This study explores the genetic characteristics of 154 S. suis isolates obtained from clinical samples collected from pigs between 2018 and 2022. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) allowed a comprehensive analysis of the S. suis population in Spain, including detection of serotype, sequence type (ST), antimicrobial resistance genes, and virulence-associated genes. This approach also explored the vertical transmission of this pathogen through vertically integrated pyramids, as evidenced by associations between grandmother and mother sow farms, and phylogenetic groups, serotypes, and STs. Our analysis revealed that serotype 9 was the most prevalent in our strain collection, predominantly associated with ST123. Notably, the three most significant virulence genes, encoding the extracellular protein factor (EPF), the muramidase-release protein (MRP), and suilysin (SLY), were not consistently present in all clinical isolates. Regarding antimicrobial resistance, no phenotypic resistance was observed to ceftiofur or florfenicol, while observing low resistance to ampicillin (0.6 %) and enrofloxacin (2.6 %), intermediate resistance to penicillin (22.1 %), and high percentage of non-wild-type isolates to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (57.1 %), and doxycycline (96.1 %). The most prevalent antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were tet(O) (85.1 %) and erm(B) (86.4 %), conferring resistance to tetracyclines and macrolides, respectively, although macrolides were not included in the phenotypic testing. Overall, this study provides key epidemiological insights into this significant systemic pathogen within the Spanish swine population. The findings underscore the importance of understanding sample origins, such as grandmother and mother sow farms, to develop an effective antimicrobial stewardship program for managing S. suis-associated diseases.

Whole-genome sequence-based comparison of antimicrobial resistant diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in pork and chicken production chains in Korea

Whole-genome sequence-based comparison of antimicrobial resistant diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in pork and chicken production chains in Korea

Molecular characterization of emerging multi-drug resistant Clostridium perfringens isolated from pork production chains in Korea

Molecular characterization of emerging multi-drug resistant Clostridium perfringens isolated from pork production chains in Korea

The climate impact and land use of cultivated meat: Evaluating agricultural feedstock production.

As global demand for meat continues to rise, alternative and sustainable methods of production are being explored. Cultivated meat (CM) is one such alternative that holds potential for sustainable production with less environmental impact. This study develops an approach to evaluate CM production based on agricultural feedstock. The specific objectives are to determine the minimum land area required to produce a certain amount of cell medium-feedstock for CM production-on agricultural land and to identify potential future land use scenarios assuming that the macro components of the cell medium are solely produced from common agricultural crops in southern Germany. A linear programming model was developed to analyze four different scenarios of CM production, considering factors such as crop rotation, nutrient sourcing, and solar energy use. The results indicate that CM production using plants as raw material for the cell medium cannot improve land use efficiency substantially compared to conventional pork production. Extraction methods, crop choice, and energy sources will strongly influence future pathways for CM. We also find that there is no substantial benefit from CM in terms of climate change mitigation when feedstock is sourced solely from plants. This study provides valuable insights into the limitations of using agricultural feedstock for sustainable CM production. The findings suggest that future research should focus on optimizing the land use efficiency of CM. This includes exploring alternatives such as sourcing cell media from precision fermentation instead of relying solely on crops, and utilizing upcycling possibilities.

MiRNA-455-5p regulates the growth and development of adipose tissue by targeting IGF-1R gene

LAY SUMMARY Adipose tissue is an important factor that influences porcine quality, and adipose tissue is also an important endocrine regulator of metabolic homeostasis. Adipose tissue development involves a series of highly synergistic processes, including clone amplification, proliferation arrest and terminal differentiation. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that have been considered as a class of novel regulators of adipogenesis. In this study, we used the dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue of Guangxi Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs as experimental materials to study the molecular mechanism of adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes, and the regulatory mechanism of miRNA-455-5p and its target gene IGF-1R involved in the development of adipose tissue. These findings may improve our understanding of mechanism of the molecular regulation of miRNA-455-5p and IGF-1R in pigs, and provide a theoretical basis for increasing pork production. TEASER TEXT The miRNA-455-5p was involved in the negative regulation of adipose tissue development by inhibiting the expression of its target gene IGF-1R. ABSTRACT Adipose tissue is an organ with metabolic, endocrine and immune functions, affecting the life span of animals and their susceptibility to diseases. Previous studies have reported the relationship between many miRNAs and the development of adipose tissue. However, the regulation of miR-455-5p on the development of porcine adipose has not been reported. In this study, we used the dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue of Guangxi Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs as experimental materials to study the regulatory mechanism of miRNA-455-5p and its target gene IGF-1R involved in the development of adipose tissue. Bioinformatic analysis with Targetscan predicted that IGF-1R might be a target gene of miRNA-455-5p. Moreover, mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were transfected with chemically modified mimics and inhibitors to observe the expression of miR-455-5p and IGF-1R genes from 0 to 8 days after transfection. And the expression of adipogenic marker genes PPARγ and C/EBPα was examined. Additionally, the miRNA-455-5p may be involved in the negative regulation of adipose tissue development by inhibiting the expression of its target gene IGF-1R. These results provide a theoretical basis for increasing pork production and provide a new potential target for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans.

UNDERSTANDING THE DRIVERS FOR COMMUNITY-BASED PREVENTION OF AFRICAN SWINE FEVER SPREAD: A CASE STUDY OF KASAWO AND KATOSI SUB COUNTIES, MUKONO DISTRICT, UGANDA

Pig production in Uganda is a thriving business as the demand for pork and pork products is increasing. Pork consumption per capita in Uganda is estimated to be 3.5 kg and is considered the highest in Africa. Pig production is, however, limited by several factors, including endemic diseases, particularly African swine fever (ASF), which can result in up to 100% mortality. The factors responsible for ASF outbreaks are poorly understood, especially at farm level. A study conducted in Kasawo and Katosi sub-counties between February and March 2023 aimed to examine biosecurity and husbandry practices on pig farms. A questionnaire was distributed to pig farmers and a Focus Group Discussion (FDG) of animal health care workers was held. Blood samples were collected from pigs of all ages and sex in the two sub counties and ASF virus antibodies were tested using competitive ELISA. Out of the 777 collected blood samples, none was seropositive for ASF virus antibodies. Of the 292 households sampled, 70% kept their pigs indoors, while only 0.7% had fenced enclosures, and 4% had functional foot baths. The FGD revealed that animal health workers, who were on daily calls, carried disinfectants to sanitize their personal protective equipment (PPE) every time they left a farm. The lack of centralized slaughter facilities was identified as a key factor contributing to the spread of the ASF virus, as well as the panic selling of pigs during suspected ASF outbreaks. Sharing boars, purchasing and stocking pigs without veterinary health certification were identified as contributing factors. The results from this study showed that although active ASF infections were not found in pigs, the district experienced ASF outbreaks in the past. The study concluded that educating farmers about the spread and prevention of ASF, ensuring ongoing disinfection of PPE by animal health professionals, and establishing pig slaughter facilities could help eliminate ASF transmission and spread in the area.

Streptococcus Suis Meningitis: A Case Report from South India

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen predominantly associated with occupational or dietary exposure to pigs or pork products. While cases are frequently reported from Southeast Asia, reports from India remain scarce. This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of S. suis meningitis in an immunocompetent individual from South India.

African swine fever from Kenya to five continents: the role of wild boar.

African swine fever (ASF) is currently the largest threat to world pork production. The complexity of the virus, its persistence in the environment, the particular immune response it elicits without significant neutralising antibodies, its capacity for transmission by several routes and the presentation of different clinical forms, from acute with high mortality to attenuated to chronic, all pose significant challenges. This article provides an overview of the epidemiological situation of ASF across five continents, the role of wild boar in virus transmission, the development of new immunological tools that aim to enhance protection against this complicated virus in wild boar, and the protection studies that are under way.

A Closed-Loop Economy in the Meat Industry for Generating Alternative Energy from Biogas Plants

This study deals with the concept of a closed-loop economy in the meat industry through the use of animal by-products in biogas plants for electricity generation processes. The purpose of the study was to identify the volume of by-products from the slaughter of cattle and pigs, how the by-products are managed, and the efficiency of their use in biogas plants for electricity production processes. The analyses used data from the Central Statistical Office, the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, and information obtained from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Studies from the literature on closed-loop economies and bioeconomies were also a valuable source of information. Based on case studies, this paper also presents examples of a closed-loop economy in meat companies. In the area of pork, poultry, and beef livestock production, the analysis covered the years 2004–2022, while in the area of the production and use of meat industry by-products, the data came from 2017–2022. The study shows that reducing the production of waste in the meat industry and the reuse and recycling of waste are important parts of a closed-loop economy. In meat companies, waste from slaughtering animals can be properly managed, either by processing it into animal feed or by using it in biogas plants to generate electricity or heat. Taking into account the number of by-products from cattle and pig slaughter in the country, biogas plants could produce approximately 95,232 MW of electricity per year, which constitutes approximately 4.3% of the energy intensity of the meat industry in Poland.

Predictive Model for Listeria monocytogenes in RTE Meats Using Exclusive Food Matrix Data.

Post-processing contamination of Listeria monocytogenes has remained a major concern for the safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that are not reheated before consumption. Mathematical models are rapid and cost-effective tools to predict pathogen behavior, product shelf life, and safety. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive model to predict the Listeria growth rate in RTE meat products as a function of temperature, pH, water activity, nitrite, acetic, lactic, and propionic acids. The Listeria growth data in RTE food matrices, including RTE beef, pork, and poultry products (731 data sets), were collected from the literature and databases like ComBase. The growth parameters were estimated using the logistic-with-delay primary model. The good-quality growth rate data (n = 596, R2 > 0.9) were randomly divided into 80% training (n = 480) and 20% testing (n = 116) datasets. The training growth rates were used to develop a secondary gamma model, followed by validation in testing data. The growth model's performance was evaluated by comparing the predicted and observed growth rates. The goodness-of-fit parameter of the secondary model includes R2 of 0.86 and RMSE of 0.06 (μmax) during the development stage. During validation, the gamma model with interaction included an RMSE of 0.074 (μmax), bias, and accuracy factor of 0.95 and 1.50, respectively. Overall, about 81.03% of the relative errors (RE) of the model's predictions were within the acceptable simulation zone (RE ± 0.5 log CFU/h). In lag time model validation, predictions were 7% fail-dangerously biased, and the accuracy factor of 2.23 indicated that the lag time prediction is challenging. The model may be used to quantify the Listeria growth in naturally contaminated RTE meats. This model may be helpful in formulations, shelf-life assessment, and decision-making for the safety of RTE meat products.

Antibacterial Effect of Lime Juice Against Streptococcus suis and Other Bacteria in Minced Pork.

Streptococcus suis is a significant zoonotic pathogen, capable of causing severe illnesses such as septicemia and meningitis in both swine and humans. Its transmission through pork consumption necessitates effective food safety measures. Lime juice, known for its antimicrobial properties, presents a potential alternative to reduce S. suis contamination in pork products. This study investigated the antibacterial efficacy of lime juice specifically against S. suis and its potential to reduce bacterial contamination in minced pork, aiming to determine optimal treatment parameters for mitigating S. suis transmission through pork consumption. Seven strains of S. suis representing serotypes known to cause zoonotic disease were cultured, and lime juice was prepared. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration tests consistently demonstrated the antibacterial effect of lime juice against S. suis. Survival curve analyses showed significant bacterial reduction within 15 min at 25% (v/v) lime juice concentration. In minced pork, lime juice caused a notable decrease in total bacteria and S. suis counts after 15 min. This study demonstrates the potential of lime juice as an antibacterial agent against a representative strain of S. suis in pork. However, the results also highlight that lime juice alone may not eliminate all viable bacteria. Therefore, incorporating lime juice treatment together with proper cooking practices remains crucial to ensure safe consumption of pork products.