Effect of crossbreeding and gender on meat quality and fatty acid composition in pork

This study considers the effect of crossbreeding and gender (barrows; gilts) on meat quality and intramuscular and subcutaneous fatty acid composition in pork. The sire lines included Large White (LW), Duroc (D) and Pietrain (P) and the dam line was Landrace (LR)×LW, producing LW×(LR×LW), D×(LR×LW) and P×(LR×LW). Pork samples were removed from Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles and subcutaneous fat (SCF). There were no important differences in meat quality parameters but D×(LR×LW) had the highest percentage of intramuscular fat. Castrated males had more intramuscular fat and more intense meat colour than female pigs. The Large White and Duroc sire line had saturated fatty acids (SFA) in SM, whereas the Pietrain sire line was significantly higher than Duroc sire line in the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA/SFA (P/S) and the n-6/n-3 ratio. The concentrations of SFA and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in SCF were significantly higher in LW×(LR×LW) and P×(LR×LW), respectively. No differences were found in the percentage of PUFA, P/S and n-6/n-3 ratio between D×(LR×LW) and P×(LR×LW). Female pigs had the most polyunsaturated intramuscular and subcutaneous fat. The results demonstrate small differences in fatty acid compositions among sires.     

Effect of restricted feeding and realimentation periods on pork quality and fatty acid profile of M. longissimus thoracis

An experiment with 94 fattening pigs (48 gilts and 46 barrows) was conducted to determine the effect of feeding 25% restricted diets at different body weights on meat quality and fatty acid profile of M. longissimus thoracis (LT). During the 84 days of the experiment (4 periods, 21 days each), animals with an initial weight of about 31 kg were fed in different periods of observation ad libitum (A) or restricted diets (R) in groups AAAA, AARA, RAAA and RARA. After 21 days of the experiment, the restricted-fed pigs, compared to those fed ad libitum, had a lower total fat content of M. longissimus thoracis (P<0.05), higher shear force (P=0.068), and lower proportions of SFA (C14:0, C18:0 P<0.05) and MUFA and higher proportions of PUFA (C20:4, C22:4 P<0.05) in the fatty acid profile. Three weeks after the restricted feed supply was lifted, the total fat content in LT muscle was higher than in animals fed ad libitum throughout (2.34 vs. 2.02), very close after the next 3 weeks of realimentation (3.16 vs. 3.15) and lower after another 3 weeks (3.19 vs. 3.49). Regardless of the time at which restricted feeding was started and the number of restricted feeding periods, the total fat content in the LT muscle at the end of the experiment was similar or lower in groups RAAA, AARA and RARA, compared to group AAAA. The coefficient of correlation between the total fat content in LT and the shear force was -0.36 (P<0.01). Colour, pH and drip loss did not depend on the level of nutrition. After 84 days of observation, animals from groups RARA and AARA, compared to pigs from groups AAAA and RAAA, were characterized by a slightly higher shear force of LT, lower SFA and MUFA (P<0.001), and higher n-6 PUFA (P<0.01) and n-3 PUFA (P<0.01) proportions in the fatty acid profile. The fatty acid profiles of AAAA pigs and pigs undergoing a 63-day realimentation period (RAAA) were similar. Regardless of the feeding scheme, the n-6:n-3 ratio exceeded 10 in all the groups.     

Carcass and meat quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of tissues from Pietrain-crossed barrows and gilts fed an elevated monounsaturated fat diet

Fifty-one (Landrace∗Large White)∗Pietrain barrows and gilts were used to compare the effect of a diet rich in oleic acid (HO) by feeding a by-product of the olive industry (Greedy-Grass OLIVA®: 1.4% growing, 3.8% finishing) or a grain and soy diet (CONTROL) on carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid profile of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat. Gilts had leaner (P < 0.05) carcasses with lower fat percentage in major primal cuts, and less (P < 0.05) saturated fat compared with barrows with no interaction (P > 0.05) between dietary treatment and gender. Source of dietary fat had no effect (P > 0.05) on primal cut yields, composition of major primal cuts, or carcass and meat quality characteristics. Intramuscular fat from HO fed pigs had higher (P < 0.05) percentage of saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids, and lower (P < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-6:n-3 ratio compared with CONTROL animals (37.4% vs. 36.8%, 44.7% vs. 40.1%, 17.9% vs. 23.2%, and 18.9 vs. 21.8 ratio, respectively). Subcutaneous fat from pigs fed HO had greater (P < 0.05) MUFA percentage, lower (P < 0.05) SFA and PUFA percentage, and lower (P < 0.05) n-6:n-3 ratio than pigs fed CONTROL diet (51.4% vs. 48.0%, 30.5% vs. 32.9%, 18.1% vs. 20.1%, and 9.83 vs. 11.3 ratio, respectively). Intramuscular fat had higher proportion of SFA and lower of MUFA showing a higher degree of tissue saturation compared with subcutaneous fat. Feeding Greedy-Grass increased MUFA and decreased PUFA proportions in fat depots reducing the risk of production of carcasses that are soft and oily which result in lower technological and processing quality.     

Effects of growth rate, sex and slaughter weight on fat characteristics of pork bellies

A total of 119 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) commercial pigs were used to investigate the effect of growth rate (fast vs slow), sex (barrows vs gilts) and slaughter liveweight (107, 115 and 125 kg) on the fat characteristics of bellies. Backfat thickness increased with weight (P < 0.01). Fat firmness score was only affected by sex (P < 0.05), with gilts showing softer bellies than barrows. Fat from gilts and slow growing pigs showed a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA; P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively), a higher proportion of linoleic fatty acid (C18:2 n-6; P < 0.01), a higher proportion of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively), and an increased iodine value (P < 0.001). Consequently, the fat from these bellies had higher PUFA:SFA ratios (P < 0.001) and n-6:n-3 ratios (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) than that from the bellies of barrows and fast growing pigs. The belly fat from barrows and fast growing pigs had higher stearic fatty acid (C18:0; P < 0.01) and SFA proportions (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) than that from gilts and slow growing pigs. The belly fat from gilts and slow growing pigs would better meet the health requirements of consumers, but it is more prone to rancidity during storage leading to a potentially reduced bacon shelf-life.     

Performances and meat quality of two Italian pig breeds fed diets for commercial hybrids

The effects of specific diets for commercial hybrids were investigated on 6 Casertana and 11 Mora Romagnola, two endangered Italian pig breeds. Average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion index (FCI), dressing percentage and meat and fat quality of animals bred under similar environmental and nutritional conditions were compared to define their optimal slaughtering weight. Animals were fed the same diets assuming that requirements of Mora Romagnola and Casertana did not differ, and changed every 30 kg of weight gain. ADG and FCI were calculated every 15 days.

Weight gains, divided into 5 groups based on live weight (LW) of animals (60 kg, 60 < kg  90, 90 < kg  120, 120 < kg  160, >160 kg), showed higher values for Casertana than Mora Romagnola, particularly from 121 to 160 kg LW (687 g/d). Average FCI from 50 to 160 kg LW was similar in both breeds (4.2). After 403 days of trial, animals were slaughtered at about 195 kg LW. Carcass measurements showed that Casertana had higher dressing percentage and lean cuts than Mora Romagnola. Both breeds showed extraordinary high ultimate pH values of M. longissimus thoracis (5.96 and 6.15 for Casertana and Mora Romagnola, respectively) M. semimembranosus (6.37 and 6.30), showing an incomplete post mortem glycolysis. Colour of M. longissimus thoracis did not differ between breeds and was particularly dark. Chemical analysis of Casertana meat showed lower percentage of water and fat; the total amount of fatty acids (SFA, MUFA and PUFA) and the SFA/UFA ratio did not show significant differences between breeds.

Results showed that from a growth point of view the optimal slaughtering weight of Casertana and Mora Romagnola should not exceed 160 kg LW. Both breeds had an uncommon reactivity to stress probably due to interactions of genetic, nutritional and management factors.     

A comparison of carcass and meat quality characteristics of Creole and Large White pigs slaughtered at 90kg BW

The effect of breed in combination with sex (gilts or barrows) on carcass composition and meat quality characteristics were studied in two replicates involving a total of 40 Creole (CR) and 40 Large White (LW). This trial was conducted in the experimental facilities of INRA in Guadeloupe (French West Indies, 16° Lat. N. and 61° Long. W). All the pigs were slaughtered at about 90kg BW. No interaction between breeds and sex was found for all criteria studied. Carcass dressing weight was higher in CR than in LW (832 vs. 810g/kg, P<0.001) in connection with their lower internal organs weight (34.0 vs. 41g/kg; P<0.001). Fat cuts weight (i.e., back and leaf fat) was higher in CR than in LW (192 vs. 90g/kg; P<0.001). Creole pigs showed higher intramuscular fat percentage (IMF), higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and lower percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle than LW pigs (4.72% vs. 2.29%, 50.2% vs. 45.0% and 7.9% vs. 13.8%, respectively). Whatever the muscle considered the ultimate pH was higher (P<0.05) in CR than in LW pigs. The drip and cooking losses of LD muscle were lower in CR than in LW (8.2% vs. 9.7% and 28.9% vs. 30.1%, respectively; P<0.05). Whatever the breed, the females were leaner than barrows (P<0.01) but the effect of sex was significant only on a few parameters.     

青海牦牛肉与秦川牛肉氨基酸和脂肪酸的比较研究

通过青海牦牛肉与秦川牛肉的氨基酸和脂肪酸的比较研究,分析青海牦牛肉品质的特性及其潜在优势.选取秦川牛肉,青南、大通和环青海湖地区的成年牦牛肉以及大通犊牦牛肉进行氨基酸和脂肪酸的相关研究.结果表明:牦牛肉各组的蛋白质含量高于秦川牛肉,但差异不显著(P＞0.05);脂肪含量都低于秦川牛肉,差异极显著(P＜0.01).青南地区成年牦牛肉的必需氨基酸/非必需氨基酸(EAA/NAA)值、必需氨基酸/氨基酸总量(EAA/TAA)值、18∶2cis-12,15、α-亚麻酸、20∶0、多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)、必需脂肪酸(EFA)、多不饱和脂肪酸/脂肪酸总量(P∶S)值和n-3多不饱和脂肪酸都显著高于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);16∶0、二十碳五烯酸(EPA)和n-6/n-3值都显著低于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).大通成年牦牛肉的赖氨酸、组氨酸和15∶0都显著高于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);月桂酸、亚油酸、PUFA、EFA、n-6多不饱和脂肪酸和n-6/n-3值都显著低于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).环湖地区成年牦牛肉的脯氨酸、15∶0、16∶1cis-9、17∶0和18∶2cis-12,15都显著高于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);月桂酸和n-6/n-3值都显著低于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).大通犊牦牛肉的色氨酸、肉豆蔻酸、17∶1cis-9、18∶1cis-11、亚油酸、α-亚麻酸、20∶3cis-5,8,11、20∶3cis-7,10,13、花生四烯酸(AA)、EPA、PUFA、EFA、P∶S值、n-3多不饱和脂肪酸和n-6多不饱和脂肪酸都显著高于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);脯氨酸、14∶1cis-9、棕榈酸、17∶0、油酸、SFA、MUFA和n-6/n-3值都显著低于秦川牛肉(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).结论:青海成年牦牛肉的蛋白质和必需氨基酸含量稍高于秦川牛肉,组成与秦川牛相近,但犊牦牛肉的氨基酸含量稍差一些.牦牛肉的n-6/n-3多不饱和脂肪酸比秦川牛肉合理,都在4.0左右,其中犊牦牛肉的P∶S值为1.15,说明牦牛肉的脂肪酸品质优,尤其是犊牦牛肉.     

鲨鱼肌肉与鱼翅营养价值的比较

为全面、客观地评价鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅的营养差异,以镰状真鲨（Carcharhinus falciformis）和大青鲨（Prionace glauca）为研究对象,比较分析了2 种鲨鱼肌肉、鱼翅（包括全翅和翅针,下同）的各种营养成分。结果显示：鲨鱼的肌肉和鱼翅蛋白质量分数均很高（24.34%～37.03%）,其中同一鲨鱼的鱼翅蛋白质量分数高于肌肉;2 种鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅的粗脂肪质量分数都非常低,均小于0.50%;鲨鱼全翅因其鱼皮表面有砂质导致灰分质量分数特别高（6.18%～7.09%）,但肌肉的灰分质量分数（1.23%～1.63%）仅略高于翅针（0.86%～0.90%）。鲨鱼的肌肉和鱼翅中氨基酸种类齐全,总体上鱼翅中氨基酸总量（total amino acid,TAA）高于肌肉,但肌肉的必需氨基酸（essential amino acid,EAA）质量分数（41.94%～42.42%）高于鱼翅（17.93%～22.61%）,且只有肌肉满足联合国粮食及农业组织/世界卫生组织提出的氨基酸模式标准（EAA/TAA≥40%且EAA/非必需氨基酸≥60%）,因此,鲨鱼肌肉的氨基酸营养价值远高于鱼翅,是一种优质蛋白源,而鱼翅并非优质蛋白源。通过氨基酸评分（amino acid score,AAS）、化学评分（chemical sore,CS）和必需氨基酸指数（essential amino acid index,EAAI）3 种氨基酸评分发现：鲨鱼肌肉的AAS、CS以及EAAI值均显著高于鱼翅,约为鱼翅的2 倍,说明鲨鱼肌肉的氨基酸营养价值高于鱼翅。蛋氨酸＋半胱氨酸是鲨鱼肌肉的第一限制性氨基酸;亮氨酸（根据AAS结果）或蛋氨酸＋半胱氨酸（根据CS结果）为鱼翅的第一限制性氨基酸。鲨鱼肌肉中共检出13 种脂肪酸,且饱和脂肪酸（saturated fatty acid,SFA）质量分数＞多不饱和脂肪酸（polyunsaturated fatty acids,PUFA）质量分数＞单不饱和脂肪酸（monounsaturated fatty acid,MUFA）质量分数;鱼翅中共检出16 种脂肪酸,且SFA质量分数＞MUFA质量分数＞PUFA质量分数。鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅中均含有丰富的油酸、二十二碳六烯酸和花生四烯酸等具有重要生理活性的不饱和脂肪酸,且均符合理想脂肪酸的标准（PUFA/SFA＞0.4）,但肌肉的PUFA/SFA明显高于鱼翅。鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅中均含有丰富的胶原蛋白,且鱼翅中胶原蛋白质量分数（7.61%～11.99%）明显高于肌肉（0.27%～0.41%）。鲨鱼肌肉和鱼翅中还含有一定的硫酸软骨素,其中全翅中硫酸软骨素含量非常高（镰状真鲨和大青鲨分别为2.67 mg/g和10.87 mg/g）,而肌肉和翅针中含量较少（质量分数低于1.2%）。     

Changes in carcass composition and meat quality when selecting rabbits for growth rate

Sixty rabbits from the 23rd generation (group S) of a line selected for growth rate were compared to sixty rabbits from the 7th generation of the same line (group C) to study possible relevant changes in carcass composition and meat quality due to the selection and the consequent decrease in degree of maturity at slaughter weight (2000 g). The only relevant changes in carcass composition were an increase in kidneys, liver and dissectible fat percentages and a decrease in meat to bone ratio of the hind leg. In m. Longissimus, group S had lower yellowness of the carcass and higher redness and yellowness of the meat. ICDH activity increased and the aldolase:ICDH ratio decreased. In the hind leg, group S had higher values of PUFA, PUFA/SFA ratio and n − 3 fatty acids.     

Incorporation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in pork tissues and its implications for the quality of the end products

One hundred and ten fattening pigs of a Piétrain × Hybrid cross-barrows and gilts in equal numbers-were distributed over five feeding formulas, containing increasing amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in the form of rapeseed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the maximum admissible amount of PUFA in the pig diet before problems-in terms of backfat consistency and storage stability-occur and to investigate the incorporation of dietary PUFA in intramuscular fat as well. A tendency towards reduced feed (energy) intake was obvious from the 7% rapeseed inclusion level, apparently resulting in a somewhat thinner backfat layer. None of the backfat samples showed a visible yellow discolouration instead thin backfat layers appeared as pink. Backfat consistency was lower for gilts and decreased with increasing dietary PUFA levels. PUFAs in the feed and in backfat were very well correlated (0.8-0.9) as expected; correction for de novo fat synthesis (by means of backfat thickness) did not alter the correlations within one sex group. Thresholds for PUFA in feed-15 g PUFA/kg feed-and for PUFA in back-fat-iodine value of 70 or 15% PUFA-were all surpassed in this experiment: 18 g PUFA/ kg feed resulted in maximally 22% PUFA in the outer backfat layer. The backfat PUFA limit was reached at relatively low feed PUFA levels. This might be explained by thin and hence more unsaturated backfat layers in lean or underweight pigs. Oxidative stability of the backfat after storage for 1 year in the freezer was satisfactory. The total intramuscular fat (IMF) content showed no obvious relationship with diet, in contrast with sex: barrows had more IMF than gilts. IMF consisted in 80% apolar phase and 20% polar fraction. The apolar fraction showed similar feed and sex tendencies as backfat, although correlations between feed and apolar fraction PUFAs were higher for gilts than for barrows. The amount of phospholipid was invariable throughout all treatments. Only linoleic acid-the major fatty acid-showed some feed and sex influence. In view ofthf results obtained the threshold for feed and backfat PUFA can be as high as, respectively, 18 g PUFA/kg feed and 22% PUFA in backfat, without deterioration of fresh and frozen backfat. However, for meat processing, demands could be more severe.     

Effect of feeding growing–fattening rabbits a diet supplemented with whole white lupin (Lupinus albus cv. Amiga) seeds on fatty acid composition and indexes related to human health in hind leg meat and perirenal fat

A total of 20 weaned rabbits (33 days old) (10 per treatment) were fed one of two diets that included 150 g of sunflower meal (SF)/kg of diet or 120 g of whole white lupin (WL)/kg of diet for 42 days. The WL diet contained less saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) but more monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) than the SF diet. The WL diet significantly decreased SFA and PUFA content, as well as the PUFA n − 6/PUFA n − 3 ratio and saturation, atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes in hind leg meat. The fatty acid composition in perirenal fat was similar to that of hind leg meat; however, significantly higher MUFA levels were observed in rabbits fed the WL diet. Thus, feeding rabbits the WL diet affected the fatty acid profile of hind leg meat and perirenal fat in a favourable manner.     

Effect of slaughter season and muscle type on the fatty acid composition, including conjugated linoleic acid isomers, and nutritional value of intramuscular fat in organic beef

BACKGROUND: Consumer awareness regarding the intake of beef of organic origin is strongly associated with the beneficial outcomes to human health, the environment and animal welfare. In this paper the effects of slaughter season and muscle type on the fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile, total cholesterol, α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene contents and nutritional quality of intramuscular fat in organic beef (n = 30) are reported for the first time. RESULTS: Organic beef showed a very low total lipid content, with seasonal changes in the levels of some fatty acids, CLA isomers, n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio, total cholesterol and β‐carotene. In addition, differences between longissimus lumborum (relatively red) and semitendinosus (relatively white) muscles were found for many fatty acids, specific CLA contents, many CLA isomers and both PUFA/saturated fatty acid (SFA) and n‐6/n‐3 ratios. However, in spite of the seasonal and carcass variations, all organic meats analysed had values of beef similar to pasture‐fed cattle. CONCLUSION: From a nutritional perspective, organic meat from both slaughter seasons seems to have high CLA contents, PUFA/SFA and n‐6/n‐3 indices within the recommended values for the human diet. The data indicate that intramuscular fat in organic meat has a high nutritional value throughout the year. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of age on fatty acid composition of Italian Merino suckling lambs

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of age on lipid content and composition of lamb meat. Thirty suckling ram lambs of the Italian Merino breed, reared according to a traditional semi-extensive management, were slaughtered at 30, 50 and 70 days of age to evaluate total lipids and fatty acid profile in three different muscles: longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM) and quadriceps femoris (QF). Age did not dramatically modify lipid content and composition, even if effects of nutritional interest were observed. Meat from lambs slaughtered at 70 days of age presented the best fatty acid profile, because they had the highest PUFA content and ratio to SFA, as well as the lowest thrombogenic index. The SM muscle had better nutritional quality than the LD and the QF, as a result of a higher PUFA percentage and PUFA/SFA ratio, together with a lower thrombogenic index. These characteristics were also associated with slightly lower amounts of intramuscular lipids and SFA.     

The influences of carcass weight and depot on the fatty acid composition of fats of suckling Manchego lambs

The effects of carcass weight (<5.5 kg, 5.5–6.5 kg, ⩾6.5 kg) of Manchego suckling lambs, type of fat depot of the leg (subcutaneous, intermuscular and intramuscular) and muscle (m. longissimus dorsi (LD) or m. quadriceps femoris (QF)) on the fatty acid composition were studied. Carcass fatness increased with increasing carcass weight. However, few differences in fatty acid proportion were observed between the three carcass weight groups. The lightest carcasses had lower proportions of myristic (C14:0) and palmitoleic (C16:1) acid and higher proportions of stearic (C18:0) acid, desirable fatty acids (DFA) (C18:0 + total unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA)) and a greater nutritive value ((C18:0 + C18:1)/C16:0). The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intermuscular fat depots of the leg were similar, whereas the intramuscular fat depot was different from both of these, since it had a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a greater proportion of TUFA, higher PUFA/SFA and n − 6/n − 3 ratios, and greater DFA and nutritive values. The intramuscular fat of the LD was more saturated than QF, higher SFA, and had lower value of PUFA/SFA ratio and DFA. These results indicated that the intramuscular fat quality of the leg was better than subcutaneous and intermuscular fat depots and also that intramuscular fat displayed better attributes of quality (lower SFA, higher TUFA, and greater PUFA/SFA ratio and DFA as well) than intramuscular fat of the LD from the consumer health standpoint. Despite carcass weight affected carcass fatness, it did not seem to influence the proportions of saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. For this reason, carcass weight probably had little effect on the organoleptic characteristics of the meat.     

The relationship between the chemical composition of the carcass and the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat and backfat of several pig breeds slaughtered at different weights

Pigs of Belgian Landrace (B), Duroc (D), Hampshire (H), and Pietrain (P) breeds were slaughtered at 90, 110 and 130 kg body weight (BW) and the carcass chemical composition and fatty acid profiles of intramuscular fat of loin and backfat were determined. The carcass of Pietrain pigs had a higher concentration of protein and less fat than of B, D and H breeds. In tissues, the PUFA:SFA ratio was lower in the heavier (130 kg BW) than in lighter pigs (90 and 110 kg BW). This feature was higher in P pigs compared with the other breeds. The backfat had a higher concentration of PUFA:SFA ratio than intramuscular fat. The PUFA n− 6:n− 3 ratio was not affected by the breed and weight of pigs, but it was lower in backfat than in longissimus muscle fat. The protein concentration in the carcass was positively related to PUFA and negatively to SFA concentration in tissues.     

两种杂交商品猪冷却肉常规养分含量、蛋白质溶解性及脂肪酸组成的比较

通过比较含地方猪血缘的杂交商品猪(杜浙猪)与外三元杂交商品猪(杜大长)背最长肌和腰大肌冷却肉的常规养分、蛋白质溶解度及脂肪酸组成,深入评价含地方猪血缘的杂交商品猪在优质猪肉生产中的优势。结果表明,杜浙猪背最长肌冷却肉的粗蛋白和粗脂肪含量显著高于杜大长猪(p<0.05),粗灰分含量显著低于杜大长猪(p<0.05);杜浙猪背最长肌和腰大肌冷却肉的肌浆蛋白溶解度均显著高于杜大长猪(p<0.05),纤维蛋白溶解度显著低于杜大长猪(p<0.05);杜浙猪背最长肌和腰大肌冷却肉的饱和脂肪酸、单不饱和脂肪酸和多不饱和脂肪酸含量均显著高于杜大长猪(p<0.05)。综合上述指标,杜浙猪冷却肉的营养价值和蛋白质功能性优于杜大长猪,将为充分利用地方猪种资源进行优质猪肉生产提供依据。     

The effect of seasonality of the growing–finishing period on carcass,meat and fat characteristics of heavy barrows and gilts

A trial was conducted to study the effect of gender (barrows; gilts) and seasonality of growing–finishing period (S, summer; W, winter) on the carcass and meat characteristics and fatty acid (FA) profile of subcutaneous fat of pigs slaughtered at 131 kg of body weight. No significant gender × seasonality interaction was detected and the differences between genders were scarce. The S pigs had a 13.2% thinner fat depth over the Gluteus medius muscle and a higher yield of shoulders and loins by 10.6% and 10.0%, respectively than W pigs. Meat from S pigs had 32.5% lower intramuscular fat content and higher cooking losses (9.1%) and shear force (6.4%) than meat from W pigs. Subcutaneous fat from S pigs had a 7.8% higher percentage of saturated FA and 4.9% lower monounsaturated FA than that from W pigs. It is concluded that in Spanish natural-environment facilities, the seasonality of the growing–finishing period affects the carcass, and meat and fat quality of heavy pigs.     

Fatty acid composition of adipose depots of suckling lambs raised under different production systems

Forty-nine male Talaverana-breed suckling lambs slaughtered at 14 kg live weight were used to study the fatty acid composition of adipose depots of lambs raised under different management systems (pasture or drylot) and diets (maternal milk with or without a concentrate supplement). Drylot lambs displayed a higher fatness score, in addition to greater dorsal fat thickness; these parameters corresponded with a greater percentage of total fat at dissection. Addition of concentrate to the diet did not modify carcass fatness. Drylot lambs presented higher proportions of oleic acid (C18:1) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and lower linolenic acid (C18:3) values in subcutaneous and intramuscular fat (muscle longissimus thoracis). The subcutaneous fat of these lambs thus displayed a higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (C18:2/C18:3) than that of pasture-raised ones. Concentrate in the diet of both pasture and drylot lambs resulted in higher linoleic fatty acid (C18:2) and PUFA values and a greater PUFA/SFA ratio in intramuscular fat than the corresponding values of lambs which consumed maternal milk alone. Loin displayed a higher percentage of subcutaneous and intramuscular chemical fat than leg. Compared with intramuscular leg fat (muscle quadriceps femoris), intramuscular loin fat (muscle longissimus thoracis) had lower oleic acid (C18:1) and MUFA values, higher PUFA values and a higher PUFA/SFA ratio, due to greater linolenic acid (C18:3) levels.     

Changes in carcass composition and meat quality when selecting rabbits for growth rate

Sixty rabbits from the 23rd generation (group S) of a line selected for growth rate were compared to sixty rabbits from the 7th generation of the same line (group C) to study possible relevant changes in carcass composition and meat quality due to the selection and the consequent decrease in degree of maturity at slaughter weight (2000 g). The only relevant changes in carcass composition were an increase in kidneys, liver and dissectible fat percentages and a decrease in meat to bone ratio of the hind leg. In m. Longissimus, group S had lower yellowness of the carcass and higher redness and yellowness of the meat. ICDH activity increased and the aldolase:ICDH ratio decreased. In the hind leg, group S had higher values of PUFA, PUFA/SFA ratio and n − 3 fatty acids.     

Effect of incorporation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in pork backfat on the quality of salami

The suitability of backfat high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for salami manufacture was assessed. Eighty pigs (barrows and gilts) were fed four diets, containing 21, 25, 28 and 28 g PUFA/kg feed, originating mainly from soybeans and/or soybean oil in the first three diets and from linseed in the fourth. Salami was prepared with backfat from these pigs, according to gender and dietary treatment. Samples were taken throughout the ripening. The taste panel rejected the two high PUFA (diet 3 and 4) levels; moreover fishy off-flavours were detected for dietary treatment four. Twenty-five grams PUFA/kg feed, corresponding with 23% PUFA in backfat or 15% PUFA in salami, results in acceptable taste, if linoleic acid is the predominant PUFA. However, all PUFA levels resulted in salamis too soft to be commercialized, as evidenced by a fatty film on the salami slicing machine.