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A STUDY OF PHYSICAL AND GENETIC INDICATORS OF PORK QUALITY IN ASOTIN COUNTY FAIR PIGS

Applied Research

Mark Heitstuman
Extension Director & Interim State 4-H Program Director
Washington State University
ASOTIN

Abstract

\r\n    Local consumers and processors of Asotin County Fair (ACF) 4-H and FFA pigs indicate the meat from fair pigs lack marbling, are pale colored and exhibit excessive water loss compared to non-fair pork. Research indicates pigs bred specifically for the show ring are leaner and more heavily muscled than commercial pigs. Show pigs are also often carriers of the Rendement Napole (RN) and Halothane Stress genes. Hogs expressing the dominant RN allele will have lower ultimate pH levels, affecting the water-holding capacity of pork. Both genes are known to affect pork quality. All 152 pigs were ultrasounded for backfat and loineye area at weigh-in during the 2010 fair. Sex and breed were recorded and hair samples collected for DNA analyses of each pig. Carcass data were collected on 50 pigs that were processed locally following the fair. Sixty percent (30 of 50) of the sampled pigs were carriers of the RN gene. RN carriers produced pork that had lower pH values (P<0.0001), lower daily gains and were more muscular than non-carriers.  Carriers also had loin muscles that tended to be paler in color with less marbling, and greater drip loss. As expected, gilts grew slower, were leaner, had larger loineyes and less marbling than barrows (All significant P<0.05). Genetic differences are probably contributing to the poor pork quality of ACF pigs; however, pre-harvest handling and post-harvest chilling could also be factors. Educational programs and materials will be developed to address pork quality issues with breeders, youth exhibitors, processors and consumers.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: M.D. Heitstuman, J.R. Busboom, M.L. Nelson, N.J. Larson
  1. Heitstuman, M. WSU Asotin County Extension Director, Washington State University Extension, Washington, 99402
  2. Busboom, J. WSU Extension Meats Specialist, Washington State University Department of Animal Sciences, Washington, 99164
  3. Nelson, M. Animal Science Nutritionist, Washington State University Department of Animal Sciences, Washington, 99164
  4. Larson, N. Undergraduate Major, Washington State University Department of Animal Sciences, Washington, 99164