The influence of a free-range housing system on pig growth, carcass composition and meat quality

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to compare the productivity results, carcass composition and meat quality of pigs reared indoors (average ambient temperature 19.4°C) or outdoors (average ambient temperature 16.0°C) during the summer-autumn periods. A total of 56 Lithuanian White (LW)×Swedish Yorkshire (SY)×English Large White (ELW) crossbred pigs were selected out of 14 litters and allotted into two analogous by origin, gender, weight and condition score groups of 26 animals each. The indoor group pigs were raised in pens of 18.5 m2 area. The outdoor group pigs were raised outdoors in enclosures of 850 m2 area. The productivity of pigs was determined by individual weighing. The carcass measurements (carcass weight and length, dressing percentage, backfat thickness and loin lean area) were determined and recalculated for 100 kg weight. The samples of the longissimus muscle were analysed for physicochemical indicators of meat. The study indicated that in the growing period and during the whole experiment, the outdoor group pigs gained higher average daily weight, respectively, by 26.8 (P=0.003) and 12.7% (P=0.013) than the pigs in the indoor group. The carcass traits were not different between the groups, but in all cases the outdoor group showed lower fat thickness. Rearing environment did not significantly influence the physicochemical indicators of meat and backfat, but the meat from the pigs raised outdoors had slightly higher (0.76%, P=0.088) crude protein levels. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.