Evaluation of different percentages of Duroc genes and gender on growth, carcass and meat quality traits for pigs

The effect of different percentages of Duroc genes in crossbreeding (5, 50 and 100%), the gender (immunocastrated males - ICM and females) and their interaction was evaluated on growth, carcass and meat quality traits for pigs. Crossbreds (50% Duroc) had greater average daily feed intake, hot carcass weight and backfat thickness but lower meat yield when compared to 5% Duroc crossbreds and purebred (100% Duroc) animals (P < 0.05). Purebred (100% Duroc) animals had the lowest backfat thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness, and the greatest muscle depth and meat yield (P < 0.05). ICM animals had better feed conversion, greater average daily gain, hot carcass weight and amount of meat, and lower hot carcass yield, cold carcass weight, Longissimus thoracis depth, rib with belly and ham weights compared to females (P < 0.05). Marbling scores were greater in purebred (100%) animals (P < 0.05). The meat from 50% Duroc crossbreds and 100% Duroc purebred pigs was more reddish pink in color than 5% Duroc crossbreds (P < 0.05). Also, marbling scores were greater for females compared to ICM (P < 0.05). Purebred (100% Duroc) animals required more medications during production (P < 0.05).

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effects of different percentages of Duroc genes, gender (immunocastrated males and females) and their interaction on growth, carcass and meat quality traits for pigs. Crossbreeds with 50% Duroc had higher feed intake, carcass weight and backfat thickness but lower meat yield compared to 5% Duroc crossbreeds and purebred (100% Duroc) animals. Purebred animals had lower backfat and subcutaneous fat thickness, and higher muscle depth and meat yield. Immunocastrated males had better feed conversion and growth, but lower carcass weight and meat amount compared to females. Marbling scores were higher in purebred animals. The meat from 50% Duroc crossbreeds and 100% Duroc purebreds was more reddish pink in color than 5% Duroc crossbreeds. Females had higher marbling scores compared to immunocastrated males. Purebred animals required more medications during production.