EFFECT OF PORCINE SOMATOTROPIN (PST) ON FAT QUALITY OF GROWING-FINISHING PIGS

Long-term application of recombinat porcine somatotropin to pigs induc ed a decrease in fat deposition and a reduction in percentage fat in b ackfat and intramuscular fat. The proportion of poly-unsaturated fatty acids especially of C18:2 increased. Lower thickness and higher water content of backfat influenced the fat quality negatively. Growth of s ubcutaneous adipose tissue was affected substantially by pST administr ation with evidence of dose dependency. During withdrawal time until s laughter a marked compensatory fat deposition occurred.