Influence of High-Genetic-Potential Lineages and Sex on Carcass Traits and Pork Quality
Érika Nayara Freire Cavalcanti1, Daniel Rodrigues Dutra1, Erick Alonso Villegas-Cayllahua1
1Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study evaluated the effects of sex and genetics on carcass traits and pork quality in 180 carcasses from castrated males and females of three commercial lines: A (Pietrain × Duroc × Large White × Landrace), B (Line A × Pietrain) and C (Line A × Hampshire). Males showed greater backfat (14.05 vs. 13.38%) and lower lean meat (58.65 vs. 59.08%) than females. Line C exhibited the highest marbling score (2.82) and hot and cold carcass weights (90.04 and 88.05 kg), while Line B achieved the highest ham yield (32.5%). Castrated males had higher marbling (2.74 vs. 2.48) but lower shear force (3.68 vs. 3.90 kgf) than females. Line C showed the highest marbling (2.82) and shear force (4.04 kgf). Males of Line C had longer sarcomeres than females of the same line and males from Line B. Males exhibited higher protein (24.73 vs. 23.91%) but lower mineral content (1.55 vs. 1.85%) than females. Line A had the highest mineral content (1.90%). Collagen content was highest in males from Lines A and B (insoluble: 0.35-0.38%; soluble: 0.09%; total: 0.44-0.47%), and lower in Line C (insoluble: 0.18%; soluble: 0.04%; total: 0.21%). These results indicate that sex and new genetic lines influence carcass composition and instrumental meat quality traits.
Related Concept Videos
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Pedigree Analysis
Incomplete Dominance
X-linked Traits
X-linked Traits
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...


