Estimation of the Variance Components of the Sow Litter Size Traits Using Reml Method - Repeatability Model

Variance components for sow litter size traits were estimated using the REML method. Number of live born piglets (NBA), number of still born piglets (NSB), number of total born piglets (NTB) and number of weaned piglets (NW) were treated as traits which repeated several times during sow lifetime - repeatability model. Results of the fertility of Swedish Landrace sows realized on three pig farms in the Republic of Serbia were presented in four data sets DS1 (farm 1), DS2 (farm 2), DS3 (farm 3) and DS23 (farms 2 and 3 together). Fixed part of the model for litter size traits at farrowing (NBA, NSB and NTB) included parity, mating season as year-month interaction, litter genotype and weaning to conception interval as class effects. The age at farrowing was modelled as a quadratic regression nested within parity, whereas preceding lactation length was included as linear regression. In case of NW the model included parity, weaning season as year-month interaction, number of piglets in litter subsequent to crossfostering and litter genotype as class effects. The age at farrowing was included into the model in the same way as in case of previous traits. Random part of the model was the same for all analysed traits and represented as effect of common environment in litter where sows had been born, permanent effect of environment in sows’ litters and direct additive genetic effect. Heritability of NBA varied between 0.050 (DS2) and 0.076 (DS3), NSB between 0.004 (DS3) and 0.027 (DS2), NTB between 0.065 (DS2) and 0.073 (DS3) and of NW between 0.010 (DS2) and 0.028 (DS1). Share of permanent environment of sow in phenotypic variance was higher than share of litter effect and mostly lower than share of direct genetic effect

Health lipid indices of dry fermented sausages made of pork meat

This research presents the results of a comparison assessment of the cholesterol content, fatty acid profile, and atherogenic (IA) and thrombogenic (IT) health lipid parameters of four dry fermented sausages produced from Mangalitsa and Swedish Landrace pork meat. The highest cholesterol level was found in Sremska sausage prepared from Landrace meat (64.92 mg/100g). Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels were considerably greater in Landrace meat sausages than in other kinds. The main cause of these variations was a higher overall n-6 PUFA concentration. The sausages made from Mangalitsa meat had the highest levels of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and unsaturated fatty acid (USFA). The highest saturated fatty acid (SFA) level was found in sausages prepared from Landrace meat. Fermented sausages made from Mangalitsa pork meat show better health lipid indices, atherogenic (IA), thrombogenic (IT), and PUFA/SFA ratios

Qualitative properties of traditionally produced dry fermented sausages from meat of the autochthonous Mangalitsa pig breed

The interest in autochthonous meat products from local pig breeds managed in comprehensive, sustainable breeding programs is expanding in Europe. Dry fermented sausages in Serbia and other southern European countries are highly appreciated food specialties. It is, therefore, desirable that study attempts to improve the quality of food and the security of traditional, dry sausages will result in products that are of higher added value and have quality standards that best meet the needs of contemporary customers. Meat and meat products from traditional pig breeds usually have an excellent public and media reputation, and are often regarded as better than the meat and meat products of conventionally raised pigs and crossbreed pigs. Traditional, dry fermented sausages, with their characteristic chemical contents and sensory properties, can be produced with suitable proportions of meat and backfat from the indigenous Mangalitsa pig breed. These outcomes should hopefully encourage the sustainable breeding of endangered Mangalitsa pigs, as there are market opportunities for kulen and sremska sausages

Fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of M. longissimus of free-range and conventionally reared Mangalitsa pigs

This study investigated the effects of different feeding systems (free-range versus conventional rearing) on carcass characteristics, chemical composition, fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of the musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis (MLLT) of Mangalitsa pigs. Depending on the rearing system employed and live weight observed, we found statistically significant differences in the weight of the warm and cold Mangalitsa carcasses. Furthermore, we observed that conventionally reared Mangalitsa pigs weighed more. Measurements showed that the free-range-fed pigs had a lower total backfat thickness in comparison with the group reared in the conventional system, but that these differences were not significant. Outdoor rearing of the pigs led to higher protein, ash and water contents, and to a decrease in total fat content and pH values of the MLLT. The choice of rearing system did not significantly affect the cholesterol content. The fat of the free-range pigs had a higher concentration of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), while the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was significantly lower than in conventionally reared pigs. The proportion of PUFA/SFA (saturated fatty acids) was not significantly different, whereas the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA/SFA) was significantly lower in the free-range group. It is concluded that the rearing system affects the carcass properties and chemical characteristics of Mangalitsa meat; it does so in particular by improving the fatty acid composition in free-range pigs.Keywords: Rearing system, pork quality, indigenous breed, health foo