Genome-wide identification of quantitative trait loci in a cross between Hampshire and Landrace I: carcass traits

We report the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting carcass composition, carcass length, fat deposition and lean meat content using a genome scan across 462 animals from a combined intercross and backcross between Hampshire and Landrace pigs. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression fitting additive and dominance effects. This model was compared with a model including a parent-of-origin effect to spot evidence of imprinting. Several precisely defined muscle phenotypes were measured in order to dissect body composition in more detail. Three significant QTL were detected in the study at the 1% genome-wide level, and twelve significant QTL were detected at the 5% genome-wide level. These QTL comprise loci affecting fat deposition and lean meat content on SSC1, 4, 9, 10, 13 and 16, a locus on SSC2 affecting the ratio between weight of meat and bone in back and weight of meat and bone in ham and two loci affecting carcass length on SSC12 and 17. The well-defined phenotypes in this study enabled us to detect QTL for sizes of individual muscles and to obtain information of relevance for the description of the complexity underlying other carcass traits

Criação intensiva de suínos em confinamento ou ao ar livre: estudo meta-analítico do desempenho zootécnico nas fases de crescimento e terminação e avaliação de carcaça e carne no Longissimus dorsi Intensive pig production in confinement or outdoor systems: a meta-analytical study of the production performance in the growing and finishing phases and carcass and meat evaluation from the Longissimus dorsi

Uma meta-análise foi realizada para avaliar o desempenho e a qualidade de carcaça e carne de suínos em função do sistema de alojamento nas fases de crescimento/terminação. Foram selecionadas publicações indexadas com resultados de experimentos comparando variáveis de desempenho e de pós-abate de suínos alojados em sistemas intensivos convencionais ou ao ar livre. A base de dados contemplou 27 artigos publicados entre 1997 e 2009. Ao total, foram considerados 2.985 animais e 701 médias na análise de dados. A meta-análise foi realizada através de duas análises sequenciais: gráfica e de variância-covariância. O sistema de criação de suínos ao ar livre aumentou em 9% (P<0,05) o consumo de ração, reduziu em 2% (P<0,01) o ganho de peso diário e piorou em 3% (P<0,05) a conversão alimentar dos animais em relação ao sistema confinado. As características de carcaça (peso de carcaça quente, rendimento, espessura de toucinho e percentual de carne magra) e de carne no Longissimus dorsi (perda por gotejamento e cozimento, pH, temperatura inicial, força de cisalhamento, marmoreio dureza, maciez e suculência) não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelo sistema de alojamento dos suínos. Concluiu-se que o sistema de criação influencia no desempenho dos suínos, mas não interfere nas características de carcaça e carne estudadas.<br>A meta-analysis was carried out to study performance and characteristics of carcass and meat in pigs in function of housing system during the growing/finishing period. Indexed publications with results of experiments comparing performance and post-slaughter variables of pigs housed in outdoor or conventional intensive systems were selected. In total, 2.985 animals and 701 averages were considered in the data analysis. Meta-analysis followed two sequential analyses: graphic and variance. The outdoor productive system increased in 9% (P<0.05) feed intake, reduced in 2% (P<0.01) daily weight gain and worsened in 3% (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio of pigs in comparison to animals in the confined system. Characteristics of carcass (hot carcass weight, yield, backfat thickness and lean meat percentage) and Longissimus dorsi meat (drip and cooking loss, pH, the initial temperature, shear force, marbling, hardness, juiciness and tenderness) were not affected (P>0.05) by the housing system. It is concluded that the housing system influences the pig performance, but does not interfere in characteristics of carcass and meat

Comparison of extensive and intensive pig production systems in Uruguay in terms of ethologic, physiologic and meat quality parameters

[EN] The objective of this work is to characterize two contrasting systems of fattening pigs in Uruguay. A total of 96 pigs (average 41.7 kg) were divided into eight groups of 12 animals, representing two production systems: (IN) pigs confined in pens of 12 m2 or (OUT) kept in plots with field shelters and access to pasture. Behavioral observations were performed by scan sampling at 5-minute intervals, three times a day during weeks 6, 8, 10 and 12 of the experiment. Aggressions were also observed at the end of the experimental period. Blood samples were taken for cortisol analysis and other physiological parameters, during growth period and slaughter and meat quality characteristics were assessed after slaughter. Differences were found in carcass characteristics, wherein IN presented a higher dorsal fat. These animals presented an overall lower activity and spent less time resting, with a stable pattern throughout the day. In OUT, pigs usually rested at midday hours, more active in the morning and afternoon. The number of total reciprocal aggressions in the observation period was 4.2±3.7 for IN and 2.3±2.2 for OUT. Cortisol levels and biochemical profile did not show evidence of important problems in the animals. Welfare is not compromised in any of the systems, although higher levels of cortisol and aggressions could be indicating some stress problems in the confinement system. Meat characteristics in OUT were considered better than in IN from a nutritional point of view.Blumetto, O.; Calvet Sanz, S.; Estellés Barber, F.; Villagrá García, A. (2013). Comparison of extensive and intensive pig production systems in Uruguay in terms of ethologic, physiologic and meat quality parameters. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE ZOOTECNIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE. 42(7):521-529. doi:10.1590/S1516-35982013000700009S52152942