The effects of breed and gender on meat quality of Duroc, Pietrain, and their crossbred

This study evaluated the effects of breed and gender in Duroc (D), Pietrain (P), and crossbred (DP) pigs. Loin samples were collected from D (n = 79), P (n = 42), and DP (n = 45) pigs. Intramuscular fat content was significantly lower in P ( p < 0.001), and pH was lowest in DP pigs ( p < 0.001). Gilts had higher intramuscular fat (IMF) and pH values than did castrated males ( p < 0.05). Water-holding capacity was lower in DP pigs than that in D and P pigs ( p < 0.001). Shear force in DP pigs was higher than that in D and P pigs ( p < 0.001). Lightness and yellowness of meat in DP pigs was increased compared with coloring of P pig meat ( p < 0.01). Meat from DP pigs was redder compared with meat from in D and P pigs, and it was higher in gilts than in castrates ( p < 0.001). The C16:0 content was lower in P and DP pigs than in D pigs ( p < 0.01). C18:2 content was higher in P and DP pigs than in D pigs ( p < 0.001). Unsaturated and saturated fatty acids increased in P pigs compared with levels in D pigs ( p < 0.05). Our results suggest that meat quality can be controlled by crossbreeding to increase or reduce selected properties. This study provides the basic data on the meat characteristics of F1 DP pigs. Thus, further study should be conducted to estimate the meat quality of various crossbreeds.