Seasonal variations of free fatty acids in plasma of 'Nero Siciliano' pigs living in extensive conditions

摘要

The 'Nero Siciliano' pig is an autochthonous genetic type of the rural areas in the north of Sicily (Italy) that lives in complete freedom in the woods of the Nebrodi mountains (maximum altitude 1800m above sea level). This animal shows high rusticity and good adaptability to often unfavourable environmental conditions; it lives on undergrowth products and has a slow and stunted growth, with a body weight of 50-60 kg at 1 year of age. (Chiofalo et al., 1989). Despite these problems, its meat has excellent organoleptic qualities. This study was carried out to provide a deeper understanding of this genetic type and to determine the seasonal effect on the plasma fatty acid levels of pigs living in extensive conditions so as to evaluate their metabolic-nutritional status.