Sa. Pommier et al., Effect of the halothane genotype and stress on animal performance, carcasscomposition and meat quality of crossbred pigs, CAN J ANIM, 78(3), 1998, pp. 257-264
One hundred and twenty-eight pigs, progeny of Yorkshire-Landrace sows (NN g
enotype) sired by Duroc boars (Nn genotype) representing 64 gilts (32 and 3
2 NN) and 64 barrows (32 Nn and 32 NN) were slaughtered at 104 kg liveweigh
t under two management schemes: stress (S) and not stressed (NS), at 105 kg
average liveweight. Feed-to-gain ratio was significantly lower (1.9%) for
Nn pigs compared to NN pigs (P < 0.05). The pH-45 of S and Nn pigs were low
er than NS and NN pigs, respectively (P < 0.01). Carcass yields were greate
r for Nn pigs (0.5%) compared with NN pigs (P < 0.05) and S pigs displayed
greater carcass yields than NS pigs (P < 0.001). Ultimate pH of the loin wa
s lower for NS pigs compared with S pigs (P < 0.05). Longissimus dorsi CIE
L values were greater for Nn pigs than for NN pigs (P < 0.05) and percent w
ater exudate from muscle of Nn pigs was greater (38%) than for muscle of NN
pigs (P < 0.001). Carcasses from Nn pigs had 2.3% more lean than carcasses
from NN pigs (P < 0.05). Results of this study support previously publishe
d reports on the effects of the halothane gene and demonstrate that the adv
antages observed on carcass composition must be weighed against the negativ
e effects on meat quality.