Phenotypic variations of muscle fibre and intramuscular fat traits in Longissimus muscle of F-2 population DurocxBerlin Miniature Pig and relationships to meat quality

In Longissimus muscle from a F-2 population of Duroc x Berlin Miniature Pigs, micro-structural fibre traits and fatty acid composition were investigated to calculate correlation coefficients between these traits and meat quality. The animals of the F-2 population exhibited low carcass weight (55.7 +/- 11.2 kg), low meat percentage (35.0 +/- 8.4%) but a relatively high intramuscular fat content (3.52 +/- 1.44%) compared to pure bred animals (F-0). No unacceptable meat quality was observed. The variation coefficients of carcass composition, muscle fibre traits, and fat traits were high enough to allow the analysis of candidate genes which influence the growth of muscle fibres, fat cells, and meat quality. Phenotypic correlation coefficients between muscle fibre characteristics and meat quality traits were low whereas fatty acid composition and meat quality were more closely related. The correlation coefficients between muscle fibre traits and fatty acid composition ranged from 0.10 to 0.40. The relationship between a low quotient of n-6/n-3 fatty acids in muscle and greater fibre sizes, higher percentages of the oxidative fibre type and higher capillary density was noteworthy indicating good conditions for muscle growth and meat quality. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.