Traits of carcass value in duroc pig breed depending on sex

Abstract

In pure pig breeds used for creation of final carcass hybrids in the Czech Republic a content of intramuscular fat (responsible for marbling) decreased during the process of selection on high meatiness. Duroc breed is mentioned as less affected by this process. The study evaluated 28 animals of Duroc breed, 14 hogs and 14 gilts and chosen traits were compared between sexes. Animals were slaughtered in average weight 102.1 kg with an average lean meat percentage 57.73 (hogs reached 57.61, gilts 57.84%). An average pH1 was measured on a level of 6.11 (hogs 6.07, gilts 6.14 with a statistically conclusive difference among sexes, p LESS-THAN OR EQUAL TO 0.05). PH24 reached values of 5.80 (hogs 5.74, gilts 5.86 with a statistically conclusive difference among sexes, p LESS-THAN OR EQUAL TO 0.01). Determined level of intramuscular fat was 1.67% (hogs reached 1.92% of intramuscular fat, gilts 1.42%). Values of pH1 and pH24 were on a really good level and showed good meat quality without tendency to some meat defect. Level of lean meat percentage corresponds with other authors. Level of an intramuscular fat content was lower than values mentioned by other authors, but close to an optimal level, so it is possible to confirm good quality of actual population of Duroc pig breed in the Czech Republic and recommend this breed for production of final carcass pig hybrids.