Meat quality traits of M. longissimus lumborum from White Mangalica and (Duroc x White Mangalica) x White Mangalica pigs reared under intensive conditions and slaughtered at about 180-kg live weight

The objective of the study was to evaluate the meat quality of the Serbian autochthonous White Mangalica pure bred pig and its crossbreed with Duroc. A total of 24 pigs [White Mangalica WM, n = 12, and (Duroc x White Mangalica) x White Mangalica) - (DWM)WM, n = 12)] were slaughtered on average 638 and 509 d of age, respectively. Colour and marbling score, and all physical (pH, instrumental colour and water holding capacity) and chemical (proximate and mineral composition and fatty acids profile) analyses were performed on M. Iongissimus lumborum. Pork from WM had higher marbling score and intramuscular fat content and was redder in colour than from (DWM)WM; while opposite was determined for moisture content. In intramuscular fat, WM had higher content of oleic acid as well as total monounsaturated fatty acids than (DWM)WM, while (DWM)WM had higher linoleic and arachidonic acids as well as total polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Inclusion of 25% Duroc gave pork with lower content of iron, copper and manganese. In summary, irrespective of differences in some particular traits White Mangalica crossbreds can represent a good alternative to pure White Mangalica without worsening the meat quality

Effect of Texel crossbreeding on productive traits, carcass and meat quality of Segureña lambs

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to assess the effect of crossbreeding a local breed (Segureña, S × S) with Texel as the sire line (Texel × Segureña crossbred, T × S) on productive traits and meat quality attributes. Sixty-eight lambs (both males and females) from each genotype, weaned at about 45 days old and intensively fed with concentrates and cereal straw ad libitum until they were 72 days old, were used to assess productive traits, and ten animals from each genotype were used to assess meat quality. RESULTS: The crossbreeding with Texel improves productivity, with a greater weight at birth (+1 kg) and at slaughter (+3 kg) and a greater average daily gain (+29 g). T × S lambs had a better conformation, less carcass fatness, and higher content of muscle (+45 g kg -1 ) as opposed to a lower fat content (-50.6 g kg -1 ). With regard to meat quality, crossbreeding with Texel provided a meat with a higher protein content (+4 g kg -1 ) and a lower oleic acid content (21% less), although the differences were very scarce from a sensory point of view, and non-existent with respect to instrumental quality. CONCLUSION: Crossbreeding could comprise a useful tool in the production of ovine meat in local breeds, such as Segureña, within the Mediterranean Area, and, consequently, a way of increasing the profitability of the farms