Comparison of carcass traits, meat quality and expressions of MyHCs in muscles between Mashen and Large White pigs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in carcase traits, meat quality and muscle characteristics (mean fibre diameter and MyHCs levels of expression) between Mashen and Large White pigs. A total of 60 pigs (30 Mashen pigs and 30 Large White pigs, half male and half female in each breed) were used in this experiment. Results showed that Mashen pigs exhibited lower slaughter weight, reduced back-fat thickness, reduced loin eye area and lower lean meat ratio than Large White pigs (p