Influence of loading method and stocking density during transport on meat and dry-cured ham quality in pigs with different halothane genotypes

The effect of loading method and stocking density in transit on meat and dr y-cured ham quality was investigated in pigs with different halothane genot ypes. A total of 507 Italian heavy pigs, supplied by two farms, were loaded by ramp or lift and transported unmixed for 35-55 min to the abattoir at a stocking density of either < 0.4 or > 0.6 m(2) per 100 kg pigs. After over night lairage in separate pens with free access to water, the pigs were sla ughtered. Halothane genotype was assessed post mortem. Four hundred and thi rty-nine pigs had a homozygous dominant (NN) genotype and 68 pigs were hete rozygous (Nn). Carcass skin damage, meat quality traits and ham curing para meters were evaluated. Loading method and stocking density showed a negligi ble effect on meat and dry-cured ham quality while the predominant factor a ffecting these was the halothane genotype. Nn pigs produced meat with a fas ter rate of pH fall and lower water holding capacity as well as ham with hi gher weight losses in salting and greater incidence of defects in the dry-c ured product. There were insignificant interactions between halothane genot ype and loading method or stocking density. Overall, irrespective of pre-sl aughter treatment, the Nn pigs were less suitable for the production of hig h quality products such as dry-cured ham. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.