Effect of age, sex and slaughter weight on productive performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of crossbred (Hampshire x Assam local) pigs

Abstract

The effect of age of slaughter and sex on productive performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics was studied in 4 different age groups viz., T1 (7–8 months), T2 (9–10 months), T3 (11-12 months) and T4 (13-14 months). Each group consisted of 15 barrows and 15 gilts. With the advancement of age, feed conversion efficiency decreased significantly; however, sex did not seem to influence the feed conversion efficiency of crossbred pigs. Hot carcass weight increased linearly with the advancement of age. Carcass length increased with age but was not influenced by sex. The dressing percentage, back fat thickness, loin eye area were not affected by age and sex of the animal. Proximate composition and colour of pork Longissimus dorsi was not affected by the age and sex of the animal. Pork tenderness decreased with age.