The reduction of boar taint in male pigs by neonatal testosterone administration

Ten neonatal male pigs were treated with 100 mg of testosterone propionate, and the effects of the treatment on endocrine function, carcass fatness, meat and fat composition were studied. No important changes were found in carcass fatness or in chemical composition of the M. longissimus dorsi. Fatty acid composition of the backfat was modified in the treated pigs, with a decrease in palmitoleic (P < 0·001) and oleic (P < 0·05) acids and an increase in stearic acid (P < 0·05); consequently, the fat had a higher melting point (P < 0·05). Neonatal treatment with testosterone propionate led to a decrease in testicle weight (P < 0·05), testosterone concentration (P < 0·05) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in the hypophysis (P < 0·001). Histological evidence of modification of the intertubular area in the testicle was found (P < 0·001). Decrease of endocrine secretion in the testes led to a reduction in the levels of detectable boar taint in treated animals, as assessed by sensory evaluation.