Evaluation of fattening and slaughter performance and determination of meat quality in Ztotnicka Spotted pigs and their crosses with the Duroc breed

摘要

The study aimed at an evaluation of fattening and slaughter performance as well as meat quality of the native Ztotnicka Spotted (ZS) pigs and its crosses with Duroc pigs. The experimental material comprised 60 fatteners, divided into three genetic groups of 20 animals (100% ZS, 75% ZS and 50% ZS). The specific character of conservative breeding results in low values of fattening and slaughter performance traits observed in ZS breed. Among the analysed groups, animals with 100% share of ZS genes in their genotype were characterised by low daily weight gains (0.59 kg), considerable backfat thickness (34.96 mm), slight muscle thickness (48.05 mm), and low leanness (41.83%). These parameters were higher in both groups of crosses. Differences between the100% ZS group and the 50% ZS group were significant for backfat thickness and highly significant for leanness. Acidity and colour parameters analysis showed that meat from all the genetic groups analysed was characterised by a good quality. The highestpH_(45) values were in the 75% ZS group, and meat from this group had the darkest colour (L~* = 49.73) and the highest red colour share (a~* = 5.11). Statistical analyses showed that ZS breed retained its original traits through the years of breeding. Itwas confirmed that meat of Ztotnicka Spotted breed is characterised by excellent quality. The results indicate that ZS and Duroc breeds crossing improves fattening and slaughter performance, while maintaining good meat quality in their crosses. Resultsof this study may also be used by breeders. They indicate that crosses of both the breeds kept in extensive breeding may be successfully used in high quality meat production. Pork from such animals may be a raw material for market niche production, suchas regional products. The use of meat from crosses in meat processing may improve both quality of the processed products and efficiency of production based on the native Ztotnicka Spotted breed.