Effect of genotype and slaughter age on carcass traits and meat quality of the Celta pig breed in extensive system

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of genotype and slaughter age on carcass traits and meat quality of the Celta pig breed. Samples from 95 pigs of three lines (Barcina, Santiaguesa and Carballina) slaughtered at two different ages (12 and 16 months) were analysed. Pigs' slaughter at 16 months showed significantly (P<0.001) higher live weight (157.2 vs. 178.9 kg), cold carcass weight (122.9 vs. 141.9 kg) and killing out percentage (77.7 vs. 79.5%; P<0.001) compared to those slaughtered at 12 months. Genotype also affected the live weight and cold carcass weight, both of which were highest in the Santiaguesa line. Changes in meat quality in relation to slaughter age and genotype were observed. The fat content increased with slaughter age, but did not vary with genotype. Regarding colour parameters, the L∗ values (48.53) were lower and a∗ values (11.55) were higher in samples of the Barcina line, indicating that the meat was darker and redder than in the other two lines. Both slaughter age and genotype had significant effects on texture parameters measured by the Warner Bratzler test, whereas textural profile analysis revealed significant differences mainly due to genotype.