INFLUENCE OF TERMINAL SIRE ON CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS OF GILTS AND CASTRATED, IMMUNOCASTRATED AND ENTIRE MALE PIGS

U istraživanje je bilo uključeno 240 tovljenika, potomaka krmača i nazimica iste pasmine, pripuštenih s tri različite linije komercijalnih nerastova („A“, „B“ i „C“), koji su podijeljeni u četiri fiziološka statusa: kirurški kastrati (SC), imunokastrati (IC), nerastovi (EM) i nazimice (F). Tijekom tova životinje su vagane pri odbiću (25 dana starosti), sa 72 dana starosti (vrijeme aplikacije 1. vakcine - V1), 116 dana starosti (rano razdoblje tova), 146 dana starosti (vrijeme aplikacije 2. vakcine - V2) i 168 dana starosti (završetak tova) te su na osnovi ovih pokazatelja izračunati prosječni dnevni prirasti u pojedinim razdobljima, kao i ukupni završni dnevni prirast. Sa 168 dana starosti svinje su zaklane te su utvrđeni slijedeći pokazatelji: masa polovica, duljine polovica „a“ i „b“, duljina buta, opseg buta, debljina mišića i leđne slanine, pH45 u m. longissimus dorsi (LD) i u m. semimembranosus (MS), a nakon 24 h pH24, CIE-L* a* b*, otpuštanje mesnog soka, kalo kuhanja, nježnost mesa, te koncentracije androstenona i skatola. Istraživane se svinje nisu razlikovale u masama ni prosječnom dnevnom prirastu u vrijeme odbića i sa 72 dana starosti. Najviše dnevne mase sa 116 dana starosti postigli su SC, dok su sa 141. danom starosti najviše mase utvrđene u EM i IC. Slično tome, u ranom razdoblju tova SC imali su značajno više priraste u odnosu na ostale fiziološke statuse, dok je u razdoblju od V2 i kasnom razdoblju tova najviši prirast utvrđen u EM i IC. Najviši ukupni dnevni prirast postignut je u IC potomaka „C“ terminalne linije nerastova. Najmanja debljina slanine utvrđena je kod EM i F, a najveća debljina mišića i posljedično tome mesnatost utvrđena je u F. SC i F imali su veće duljine polovice u odnosu na IC i EM, a najveći opseg buta postignut je u SC. Najveća debljina slanine utvrđena je u pripadnika terminalne linije „C“, u koje je ujedno utvrđena najniža mesnatost. Međutim, pripadnici terminalne linije nerastova „C“ imali su najveće duljine polovica „a“ i „b“ te opseg buta. Najviši pH45 u SM imali su IC, dok je najviši pH24 u SM i LD postignut kod EM. Najniže otkapavanje mesnog soka i CIE L* utvrđeno je u F, dok su EM imali najviše CIE a* vrijednosti. Kalo kuhanja u SC i F bilo je značajno niže (P<0,05) od IC i EM; EM i F imali su značajno niže WBSF vrijednosti od IC, dok se SC nisu razlikovali od ostalih fizioloških statusa u ovom svojstvu. Potomci terminalnih linija nerastova „A“ i „B“ imali su značajno niže vrijednosti pH45 u MS i LD te pH24 u SM. Najveće otpuštanje mesnog soka utvrđeno je u „B“ terminalne linije nerastova; pripadnici terminalne linije „C“ imali su najveći CIE a* i najniži WBSF. U gotovo svih istraživanih svojstava utvrđena je značajna interakcija fiziološkog statusa i terminalne linije nerasta. Najveća debljina mišića i mesnatost u svih terminalnih linija utvrđena je kod F, a slijede ih EM, IC i potom SC. Najveća duljina polovice „a“ i duljina buta utvrđena je u IC pripadnika terminalne linije „C“. U LD mišiću nisu utvrđene značajne razlike u završnim pH vrijednostima između istraživanih fizioloških svojstava i linija terminalnih nerastova. Najviše otkapavanje mesnog soka u „A“ i „C“ terminalnih linija nerastova utvrđeno je u IC, a u terminalne linije nerastova „B“ u EM. Najviše CIE L* vrijednosti kod terminalnih linija nerastova „A“ i „C“ utvrđene su u IC, a u terminalne linije „B“ kod SC. SC terminalnih linija „A“ i „B“ imali su najviše CIE a* vrijednosti, dok su u terminalne linije „C“ najviše CIE a* vrijednosti utvrđene u EM. Najveće kalo kuhanja u terminalnih linija „A“ i „B“ utvrđeno je kod nerastova, dok su WBSF vrijednosti bile najviše u IC kod A i B terminalnih linija nerastova i EM u terminalne linije nerastova „C“. Najveća koncentracija androstenona utvrđena je u nerastova pripadnika „C“ terminalne linije nerastova, dok u koncentraciji skatola nisu utvrđene značajne razlike između nerastova potomaka pojedinih terminalnih linija nerastova. U terminalne linije nerastova „A“ utvrđena je jaka korelacija između koncentracije androstenona i skatola, dok je u terminalnih linija „B“ i „C“ utvrđena srednje jaka korelacija. Ovo upućuje na mogućnost redukcije skatola, a posljedično tome i androstenona i metodama koje su jeftinije i manje zahtjevne od genomske selekcije u ovih križanaca.The investigation was carried out on 240 fatteners, originating from gilts and sows of the same breed inseminated with the semen from three commercial terminal sires (lines “A”, “B”, “C”), and divided into four genders: surgical castrates (SC), immunocastrates (IC), entire males (EM) and females (F). During fattening animals were weighed at weaning (at 25 days), at 72 days of age (time of 1st vaccination-V1), 116 days (Early fattening period), 146 days (time of 2nd vaccination-V2) and 168 days (End of fattening). Based on these measures average daily gains in certain periods of growth, as well as total daily gain were calculated. At 168 days of age pigs were slaughtered and following traits were determined: carcass weight, carcass lengths “a” and “b”, ham length and circumference, muscle and fat thickness, pH45 in m. longissimus dorsi (LD) and m. semimembranosus (SM). After 24 h of cooling the carcasses pH24 at LD and MS muscles, CIE L* a* b*, drip loss, cooking loss, instrumental tenderness (WBSF) and concentrations of androstenone and skatole were also estimated. Investigated pigs did not differ in weights and average daily gains at the time of weaning and at 72 days of age. The highest weights at 116 days were observed in SC, and at 141 days in EM and IC. Similarly, at Early fattening period SC had the highest average daily gain, while at V2 and at the End of fattening the highest average daily gain determined in EM and IC. The highest total daily gain was determined in IC, members of “C” terminal sire line. The smallest fat thickness was determined in EM and F, the highest muscle thickness and consequently leanness was determined in F. SC and F had longer carcasses comparing to IC and EM, while the highest ham circumference was determined in SC. The highest fat thickness and the lowest leanness was determined in members of “C” terminal sire line. However, these pigs had the longest carcasses (lengths “a” and “b”) and ham circumference. The highest pH45 in SM was observed in IC, while the highest pH24 in SM and LD muscles was estimated in EM. The lowest drip loss and CIE L* was determined in F, while EM had the highest CIE a* values. Cooling loss of SC and F was significantly lower (P<0.05) than IC and EM; EM and F had significantly lower WBSF than IC, while SC did not differ from other genders in this trait. Pigs originating from terminal sire lines “A” and “B” had significantly lower pH45 in MS and LD muscles, as well as pH24 in SM muscle. The highest drip loss was determined in pigs originating from “B” terminal sire line; pigs members of “C” terminal sire line had highest CIE a* and lowest WBSF values. In almost all investigated traits, interaction between gender and terminal sire line was significant. In all terminal sire lines the highest muscle thickness and leanness was determined in F followed by EM, IC and SC. The highest carcass length “a” and ham length was determined in IC originating from “C” terminal sire line. No significant differences in pH values between investigated genders according to specific sire line were observed. The highest drip loss in “A” and “C” terminal sire lines was determined for IC, and in “B” terminal sire line for EM. In “A” and “C” terminal sire lines IC had the highest CIE L* values and in “B” terminal sire line SC. SC of terminal sire lines “A” and “B” had the highest CIE a* values; in terminal sire line “C” EM had the highest CIE a* values. EM had the highest cooking loss in “A” and “B” terminal sire lines and the highest WBSF was determined in IC of “A” and “B” terminal sire lines and EM of “C” terminal sire line. The highest androstenone concentration was observed in EM originating from “C” terminal sire line. There were no significant differences between EM of investigated sire lines in skatole concentrations. In terminal sire line “A” strong correlation between skatole and androstenone concentrations was determined; in “B” and “C” terminal sire lines moderate correlation between investigated concentrations was observed. This indicates a possibility of skatole and consequently androstenone reduction using cheaper and less demanding methods than genomic selection in investigated crossbreds

PRODUCTION OF MEAT FROM ENTIRE MALE PIGS

Proizvodnja nekastriranih u odnosu na kastrirane nerastove je unosnija i profitabilnija, jer nekastrirani nerastovi očituju bolja svojstva kvalitete mesa s većim udjelom mišićnog tkiva i većim sadržajem proteina u odnosu na kastrate. No, jedan od ključnih problema u proizvodnji nekastriranih nerastova je neodgovarajuća senzorska kvaliteta mesa, odnosno neugodan i oštar miris te okus koji je većini potrašača neprihvatljiv. Steroidni hormoni testisa, androstenon i razloženi L-triptofan skatol, glavni su spojevi odgovorni za takav miris i okus svinjskog mesa. Razina androstenona u tkivu nerastova povezuje se sa spolnom zrelošću dok razina skatola ovisi o uvjetima okruženja i hranidbe. Pritom je ustanovljeno da nerastovi za klanje uzgojeni na organski način ne osiguravaju pouzdano smanjenje neugodnih mirisa i okusa mesa. Jedan od predloženih načina smanjenja neugodnih mirisa i okusa mesa nerastova je hranidba čistim žitricama, cikorijom i hidrolizirajućim taninom. Nadalje, postupci kod transporta prije klanja doprinose povećanju razine stresa, a time i povećanju androstenona i skatola u adipoznom tkivu nerastova. Kod genetskih utjecaja postoje oprečna mišljenja, gdje se s jedne strane ne može dokazati i potvrditi učinak genotipa na neugodne mirise i okus mesa nerasta, a s druge strane se vjeruje kako će rezultati selekcije doprinijeti smanjenju rizika glede ovog važnog senzorskog svojstva mesa nekastriranih nerastova. U mnogim zemljama imunokastracijom nerastova izbjegla se visoka razina androstenona i skatola te se neugodan okus i miris mesa sveo na najmanju razinu. Zbog dobrobiti životinja očekuje se ukidanje kastracije od 1. siječnja 2018. godine u zemljama EU. Zbog toga je od velike važnosti pronaći druga rješenja vezana uz navedene probleme.Production of entire male pigs in comparison with castrate boars is more lucrative and profitable because entire male pigs reflect better meat quality traits with a higher amount of muscle tissue and protein content compared to castrate pigs. One of the key problems in the meat sensory quality of the entire boars is the unpleasant and pungent smell and taste that is unacceptable to most of the consumers. Testicular steroid hormones, androstenone and exploded L-tryptophan, skatole, are the main compounds responsible for such smell and taste of pork. The level of androstenone in boars’ tissue is associated with sexual maturity while the level of skatole depends on environmental conditions and diet. Reduction of unpleasant smell and taste of the meat is possible to achieve by feeding the animals with cereals, chicory and hydrolyzing tannin. Boars for the slaughter farmed in the organic way do not provide a reliable reduction of the unpleasant smell and taste of the meat. Stress during the transport contributes to the increase of the androstenone and skatole in the adipose tissue. There are diverse opinions in the case of genetic influences, where on the one hand it is not possible to prove and demonstrate the effect of genotype on unpleasant smells and taste of the meat, and on the other hand it is likely that the selection results contribute to the reduction of this important meat sensory trait of the entire male pigs. In many countries castration of the boars has decreased high levels of androstenone and skatole and also unpleasant taste and odor of meat has been reduced to the lowest levels. Due to the animal welfare it is expected castration in the countries of European Union will be repealed from January, 1. 2018. It is therefore of great importance to find other solutions related to these problems

INFLUENCE OF TERMINAL SIRE ON CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS OF GILTS AND CASTRATED, IMMUNOCASTRATED AND ENTIRE MALE PIGS

U istraživanje je bilo uključeno 240 tovljenika, potomaka krmača i nazimica iste pasmine, pripuštenih s tri različite linije komercijalnih nerastova („A“, „B“ i „C“), koji su podijeljeni u četiri fiziološka statusa: kirurški kastrati (SC), imunokastrati (IC), nerastovi (EM) i nazimice (F). Tijekom tova životinje su vagane pri odbiću (25 dana starosti), sa 72 dana starosti (vrijeme aplikacije 1. vakcine - V1), 116 dana starosti (rano razdoblje tova), 146 dana starosti (vrijeme aplikacije 2. vakcine - V2) i 168 dana starosti (završetak tova) te su na osnovi ovih pokazatelja izračunati prosječni dnevni prirasti u pojedinim razdobljima, kao i ukupni završni dnevni prirast. Sa 168 dana starosti svinje su zaklane te su utvrđeni slijedeći pokazatelji: masa polovica, duljine polovica „a“ i „b“, duljina buta, opseg buta, debljina mišića i leđne slanine, pH45 u m. longissimus dorsi (LD) i u m. semimembranosus (MS), a nakon 24 h pH24, CIE-L* a* b*, otpuštanje mesnog soka, kalo kuhanja, nježnost mesa, te koncentracije androstenona i skatola. Istraživane se svinje nisu razlikovale u masama ni prosječnom dnevnom prirastu u vrijeme odbića i sa 72 dana starosti. Najviše dnevne mase sa 116 dana starosti postigli su SC, dok su sa 141. danom starosti najviše mase utvrđene u EM i IC. Slično tome, u ranom razdoblju tova SC imali su značajno više priraste u odnosu na ostale fiziološke statuse, dok je u razdoblju od V2 i kasnom razdoblju tova najviši prirast utvrđen u EM i IC. Najviši ukupni dnevni prirast postignut je u IC potomaka „C“ terminalne linije nerastova. Najmanja debljina slanine utvrđena je kod EM i F, a najveća debljina mišića i posljedično tome mesnatost utvrđena je u F. SC i F imali su veće duljine polovice u odnosu na IC i EM, a najveći opseg buta postignut je u SC. Najveća debljina slanine utvrđena je u pripadnika terminalne linije „C“, u koje je ujedno utvrđena najniža mesnatost. Međutim, pripadnici terminalne linije nerastova „C“ imali su najveće duljine polovica „a“ i „b“ te opseg buta. Najviši pH45 u SM imali su IC, dok je najviši pH24 u SM i LD postignut kod EM. Najniže otkapavanje mesnog soka i CIE L* utvrđeno je u F, dok su EM imali najviše CIE a* vrijednosti. Kalo kuhanja u SC i F bilo je značajno niže (P<0,05) od IC i EM; EM i F imali su značajno niže WBSF vrijednosti od IC, dok se SC nisu razlikovali od ostalih fizioloških statusa u ovom svojstvu. Potomci terminalnih linija nerastova „A“ i „B“ imali su značajno niže vrijednosti pH45 u MS i LD te pH24 u SM. Najveće otpuštanje mesnog soka utvrđeno je u „B“ terminalne linije nerastova; pripadnici terminalne linije „C“ imali su najveći CIE a* i najniži WBSF. U gotovo svih istraživanih svojstava utvrđena je značajna interakcija fiziološkog statusa i terminalne linije nerasta. Najveća debljina mišića i mesnatost u svih terminalnih linija utvrđena je kod F, a slijede ih EM, IC i potom SC. Najveća duljina polovice „a“ i duljina buta utvrđena je u IC pripadnika terminalne linije „C“. U LD mišiću nisu utvrđene značajne razlike u završnim pH vrijednostima između istraživanih fizioloških svojstava i linija terminalnih nerastova. Najviše otkapavanje mesnog soka u „A“ i „C“ terminalnih linija nerastova utvrđeno je u IC, a u terminalne linije nerastova „B“ u EM. Najviše CIE L* vrijednosti kod terminalnih linija nerastova „A“ i „C“ utvrđene su u IC, a u terminalne linije „B“ kod SC. SC terminalnih linija „A“ i „B“ imali su najviše CIE a* vrijednosti, dok su u terminalne linije „C“ najviše CIE a* vrijednosti utvrđene u EM. Najveće kalo kuhanja u terminalnih linija „A“ i „B“ utvrđeno je kod nerastova, dok su WBSF vrijednosti bile najviše u IC kod A i B terminalnih linija nerastova i EM u terminalne linije nerastova „C“. Najveća koncentracija androstenona utvrđena je u nerastova pripadnika „C“ terminalne linije nerastova, dok u koncentraciji skatola nisu utvrđene značajne razlike između nerastova potomaka pojedinih terminalnih linija nerastova. U terminalne linije nerastova „A“ utvrđena je jaka korelacija između koncentracije androstenona i skatola, dok je u terminalnih linija „B“ i „C“ utvrđena srednje jaka korelacija. Ovo upućuje na mogućnost redukcije skatola, a posljedično tome i androstenona i metodama koje su jeftinije i manje zahtjevne od genomske selekcije u ovih križanaca.The investigation was carried out on 240 fatteners, originating from gilts and sows of the same breed inseminated with the semen from three commercial terminal sires (lines “A”, “B”, “C”), and divided into four genders: surgical castrates (SC), immunocastrates (IC), entire males (EM) and females (F). During fattening animals were weighed at weaning (at 25 days), at 72 days of age (time of 1st vaccination-V1), 116 days (Early fattening period), 146 days (time of 2nd vaccination-V2) and 168 days (End of fattening). Based on these measures average daily gains in certain periods of growth, as well as total daily gain were calculated. At 168 days of age pigs were slaughtered and following traits were determined: carcass weight, carcass lengths “a” and “b”, ham length and circumference, muscle and fat thickness, pH45 in m. longissimus dorsi (LD) and m. semimembranosus (SM). After 24 h of cooling the carcasses pH24 at LD and MS muscles, CIE L* a* b*, drip loss, cooking loss, instrumental tenderness (WBSF) and concentrations of androstenone and skatole were also estimated. Investigated pigs did not differ in weights and average daily gains at the time of weaning and at 72 days of age. The highest weights at 116 days were observed in SC, and at 141 days in EM and IC. Similarly, at Early fattening period SC had the highest average daily gain, while at V2 and at the End of fattening the highest average daily gain determined in EM and IC. The highest total daily gain was determined in IC, members of “C” terminal sire line. The smallest fat thickness was determined in EM and F, the highest muscle thickness and consequently leanness was determined in F. SC and F had longer carcasses comparing to IC and EM, while the highest ham circumference was determined in SC. The highest fat thickness and the lowest leanness was determined in members of “C” terminal sire line. However, these pigs had the longest carcasses (lengths “a” and “b”) and ham circumference. The highest pH45 in SM was observed in IC, while the highest pH24 in SM and LD muscles was estimated in EM. The lowest drip loss and CIE L* was determined in F, while EM had the highest CIE a* values. Cooling loss of SC and F was significantly lower (P<0.05) than IC and EM; EM and F had significantly lower WBSF than IC, while SC did not differ from other genders in this trait. Pigs originating from terminal sire lines “A” and “B” had significantly lower pH45 in MS and LD muscles, as well as pH24 in SM muscle. The highest drip loss was determined in pigs originating from “B” terminal sire line; pigs members of “C” terminal sire line had highest CIE a* and lowest WBSF values. In almost all investigated traits, interaction between gender and terminal sire line was significant. In all terminal sire lines the highest muscle thickness and leanness was determined in F followed by EM, IC and SC. The highest carcass length “a” and ham length was determined in IC originating from “C” terminal sire line. No significant differences in pH values between investigated genders according to specific sire line were observed. The highest drip loss in “A” and “C” terminal sire lines was determined for IC, and in “B” terminal sire line for EM. In “A” and “C” terminal sire lines IC had the highest CIE L* values and in “B” terminal sire line SC. SC of terminal sire lines “A” and “B” had the highest CIE a* values; in terminal sire line “C” EM had the highest CIE a* values. EM had the highest cooking loss in “A” and “B” terminal sire lines and the highest WBSF was determined in IC of “A” and “B” terminal sire lines and EM of “C” terminal sire line. The highest androstenone concentration was observed in EM originating from “C” terminal sire line. There were no significant differences between EM of investigated sire lines in skatole concentrations. In terminal sire line “A” strong correlation between skatole and androstenone concentrations was determined; in “B” and “C” terminal sire lines moderate correlation between investigated concentrations was observed. This indicates a possibility of skatole and consequently androstenone reduction using cheaper and less demanding methods than genomic selection in investigated crossbreds

INFLUENCE OF TERMINAL SIRE ON CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS OF GILTS AND CASTRATED, IMMUNOCASTRATED AND ENTIRE MALE PIGS

U istraživanje je bilo uključeno 240 tovljenika, potomaka krmača i nazimica iste pasmine, pripuštenih s tri različite linije komercijalnih nerastova („A“, „B“ i „C“), koji su podijeljeni u četiri fiziološka statusa: kirurški kastrati (SC), imunokastrati (IC), nerastovi (EM) i nazimice (F). Tijekom tova životinje su vagane pri odbiću (25 dana starosti), sa 72 dana starosti (vrijeme aplikacije 1. vakcine - V1), 116 dana starosti (rano razdoblje tova), 146 dana starosti (vrijeme aplikacije 2. vakcine - V2) i 168 dana starosti (završetak tova) te su na osnovi ovih pokazatelja izračunati prosječni dnevni prirasti u pojedinim razdobljima, kao i ukupni završni dnevni prirast. Sa 168 dana starosti svinje su zaklane te su utvrđeni slijedeći pokazatelji: masa polovica, duljine polovica „a“ i „b“, duljina buta, opseg buta, debljina mišića i leđne slanine, pH45 u m. longissimus dorsi (LD) i u m. semimembranosus (MS), a nakon 24 h pH24, CIE-L* a* b*, otpuštanje mesnog soka, kalo kuhanja, nježnost mesa, te koncentracije androstenona i skatola. Istraživane se svinje nisu razlikovale u masama ni prosječnom dnevnom prirastu u vrijeme odbića i sa 72 dana starosti. Najviše dnevne mase sa 116 dana starosti postigli su SC, dok su sa 141. danom starosti najviše mase utvrđene u EM i IC. Slično tome, u ranom razdoblju tova SC imali su značajno više priraste u odnosu na ostale fiziološke statuse, dok je u razdoblju od V2 i kasnom razdoblju tova najviši prirast utvrđen u EM i IC. Najviši ukupni dnevni prirast postignut je u IC potomaka „C“ terminalne linije nerastova. Najmanja debljina slanine utvrđena je kod EM i F, a najveća debljina mišića i posljedično tome mesnatost utvrđena je u F. SC i F imali su veće duljine polovice u odnosu na IC i EM, a najveći opseg buta postignut je u SC. Najveća debljina slanine utvrđena je u pripadnika terminalne linije „C“, u koje je ujedno utvrđena najniža mesnatost. Međutim, pripadnici terminalne linije nerastova „C“ imali su najveće duljine polovica „a“ i „b“ te opseg buta. Najviši pH45 u SM imali su IC, dok je najviši pH24 u SM i LD postignut kod EM. Najniže otkapavanje mesnog soka i CIE L* utvrđeno je u F, dok su EM imali najviše CIE a* vrijednosti. Kalo kuhanja u SC i F bilo je značajno niže (P<0,05) od IC i EM; EM i F imali su značajno niže WBSF vrijednosti od IC, dok se SC nisu razlikovali od ostalih fizioloških statusa u ovom svojstvu. Potomci terminalnih linija nerastova „A“ i „B“ imali su značajno niže vrijednosti pH45 u MS i LD te pH24 u SM. Najveće otpuštanje mesnog soka utvrđeno je u „B“ terminalne linije nerastova; pripadnici terminalne linije „C“ imali su najveći CIE a* i najniži WBSF. U gotovo svih istraživanih svojstava utvrđena je značajna interakcija fiziološkog statusa i terminalne linije nerasta. Najveća debljina mišića i mesnatost u svih terminalnih linija utvrđena je kod F, a slijede ih EM, IC i potom SC. Najveća duljina polovice „a“ i duljina buta utvrđena je u IC pripadnika terminalne linije „C“. U LD mišiću nisu utvrđene značajne razlike u završnim pH vrijednostima između istraživanih fizioloških svojstava i linija terminalnih nerastova. Najviše otkapavanje mesnog soka u „A“ i „C“ terminalnih linija nerastova utvrđeno je u IC, a u terminalne linije nerastova „B“ u EM. Najviše CIE L* vrijednosti kod terminalnih linija nerastova „A“ i „C“ utvrđene su u IC, a u terminalne linije „B“ kod SC. SC terminalnih linija „A“ i „B“ imali su najviše CIE a* vrijednosti, dok su u terminalne linije „C“ najviše CIE a* vrijednosti utvrđene u EM. Najveće kalo kuhanja u terminalnih linija „A“ i „B“ utvrđeno je kod nerastova, dok su WBSF vrijednosti bile najviše u IC kod A i B terminalnih linija nerastova i EM u terminalne linije nerastova „C“. Najveća koncentracija androstenona utvrđena je u nerastova pripadnika „C“ terminalne linije nerastova, dok u koncentraciji skatola nisu utvrđene značajne razlike između nerastova potomaka pojedinih terminalnih linija nerastova. U terminalne linije nerastova „A“ utvrđena je jaka korelacija između koncentracije androstenona i skatola, dok je u terminalnih linija „B“ i „C“ utvrđena srednje jaka korelacija. Ovo upućuje na mogućnost redukcije skatola, a posljedično tome i androstenona i metodama koje su jeftinije i manje zahtjevne od genomske selekcije u ovih križanaca.The investigation was carried out on 240 fatteners, originating from gilts and sows of the same breed inseminated with the semen from three commercial terminal sires (lines “A”, “B”, “C”), and divided into four genders: surgical castrates (SC), immunocastrates (IC), entire males (EM) and females (F). During fattening animals were weighed at weaning (at 25 days), at 72 days of age (time of 1st vaccination-V1), 116 days (Early fattening period), 146 days (time of 2nd vaccination-V2) and 168 days (End of fattening). Based on these measures average daily gains in certain periods of growth, as well as total daily gain were calculated. At 168 days of age pigs were slaughtered and following traits were determined: carcass weight, carcass lengths “a” and “b”, ham length and circumference, muscle and fat thickness, pH45 in m. longissimus dorsi (LD) and m. semimembranosus (SM). After 24 h of cooling the carcasses pH24 at LD and MS muscles, CIE L* a* b*, drip loss, cooking loss, instrumental tenderness (WBSF) and concentrations of androstenone and skatole were also estimated. Investigated pigs did not differ in weights and average daily gains at the time of weaning and at 72 days of age. The highest weights at 116 days were observed in SC, and at 141 days in EM and IC. Similarly, at Early fattening period SC had the highest average daily gain, while at V2 and at the End of fattening the highest average daily gain determined in EM and IC. The highest total daily gain was determined in IC, members of “C” terminal sire line. The smallest fat thickness was determined in EM and F, the highest muscle thickness and consequently leanness was determined in F. SC and F had longer carcasses comparing to IC and EM, while the highest ham circumference was determined in SC. The highest fat thickness and the lowest leanness was determined in members of “C” terminal sire line. However, these pigs had the longest carcasses (lengths “a” and “b”) and ham circumference. The highest pH45 in SM was observed in IC, while the highest pH24 in SM and LD muscles was estimated in EM. The lowest drip loss and CIE L* was determined in F, while EM had the highest CIE a* values. Cooling loss of SC and F was significantly lower (P<0.05) than IC and EM; EM and F had significantly lower WBSF than IC, while SC did not differ from other genders in this trait. Pigs originating from terminal sire lines “A” and “B” had significantly lower pH45 in MS and LD muscles, as well as pH24 in SM muscle. The highest drip loss was determined in pigs originating from “B” terminal sire line; pigs members of “C” terminal sire line had highest CIE a* and lowest WBSF values. In almost all investigated traits, interaction between gender and terminal sire line was significant. In all terminal sire lines the highest muscle thickness and leanness was determined in F followed by EM, IC and SC. The highest carcass length “a” and ham length was determined in IC originating from “C” terminal sire line. No significant differences in pH values between investigated genders according to specific sire line were observed. The highest drip loss in “A” and “C” terminal sire lines was determined for IC, and in “B” terminal sire line for EM. In “A” and “C” terminal sire lines IC had the highest CIE L* values and in “B” terminal sire line SC. SC of terminal sire lines “A” and “B” had the highest CIE a* values; in terminal sire line “C” EM had the highest CIE a* values. EM had the highest cooking loss in “A” and “B” terminal sire lines and the highest WBSF was determined in IC of “A” and “B” terminal sire lines and EM of “C” terminal sire line. The highest androstenone concentration was observed in EM originating from “C” terminal sire line. There were no significant differences between EM of investigated sire lines in skatole concentrations. In terminal sire line “A” strong correlation between skatole and androstenone concentrations was determined; in “B” and “C” terminal sire lines moderate correlation between investigated concentrations was observed. This indicates a possibility of skatole and consequently androstenone reduction using cheaper and less demanding methods than genomic selection in investigated crossbreds

Boar taint – possibilities and solutions in pig production

Over many years castration of male pigs has been a common zootechnical practice performed in order to avoid boar taint or offensive odour of pork found in sexually mature boars. As castration of animals in intensive livestock production has been receiving criticism from international organizations for animal protection and welfare in the last decade, male pigs should be castrated with anesthesia in order to perform the procedure in a less painful and stressful way. Along with boar taint, boar production is accompanied by some other important advantages and disadvantages. Hence, there is a need for a detailed research of this kind of production. The main substances accumulated in the fat of male pigs that cause boar taint are androstenone and skatole. In this scientific review, physiological and zootechnical factors responsible for the development of boar taint and the possibilities of its prevention in the Republic of Croatia will be presented

Influence of Immunocastration on Slaughter Traits and Boar Taint Compounds in Pigs Originating from Three Different Terminal Sire Lines

The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of terminal sire line (TSL) and male category (MC) on carcass and meat quality of commercial fatteners. The study was performed on 180 pigs originating from three terminal sire lines: A (Pietrain × Large White), B (pure Pietrain), and C (Pietrain × Duroc × Large White), being assigned to three groups according to MC: immunocastrates (IC, n = 60), surgical castrates (SC, n = 60) and entire males (EM, n = 60). TSL affected most of the carcass and meat quality traits, together with the androstenone concentration. At the same time, MC had a significant effect on fat thickness, ham circumference, drip loss, cooking loss and androstenone and skatole concentrations. A significant interaction effect was observed for carcass length and ham circumference, as well as for most of the measured meat quality traits (except cooking loss, CIE L*, CIE b*, and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF)). Among the three investigated sire lines, immunocastration was shown to be most beneficial for fatteners sired by the TSL C. However, if deciding to raise EM, fatteners from the TSL B are recommended in terms of carcass and meat quality, although strategies for avoiding boar taint in their carcasses must be taken into consideration

Scapula fractures: interobserver reliability of classification and treatment

OBJECTIVES:There is substantial variation in the classification and the management of scapula fractures. The first purpose of this study was to analyze the interobserver reliability of the OTA/AO and the New International Classification of scapula fractures. The second purpose was to assess the proportion of agreement among orthopaedic surgeons on operative or nonoperative treatment. DESIGN:: Web-based reliability study SETTING:: Independent orthopaedic surgeons from several countries were invited to classify scapular fractures in an online survey. PARTICIPANTS:One-hundred and three orthopaedic surgeons evaluated 35 movies of 3DCT-reconstruction of selected scapular fractures, representing a full spectrum of fracture patterns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:Fleiss' kappa (κ) was used to assess the reliability of agreement between the surgeons. RESULTS:: The overall agreement on the OTA/AO Classification was moderate for the types (A, B, and C, κ = 0.54) with a 71% proportion of rater agreement (PA) as well as for the nine groups (A1 to C3, κ = 0.47) with a 57% PA. For the New International Classification, the agreement about the intra-articular extension of the fracture (Fossa (F), κ = 0.79) was substantial, the agreement about a fractured body (Body (B), κ = 0.57) or process was moderate (Process (P), κ = 0.53), however PAs were more than 81%. The agreement on the treatment recommendation was moderate (κ = 0.57) with a 73% PA. CONCLUSIONS:The New International Classification was more reliable. Body and process fractures generated more disagreement than intra-articular fractures and need further clear definitions