Mitochondrial respiratory activity in porcine longissimus muscle fibers of different pig genetics in relation to their meat quality.
The pig genetics of Duroc, Pietrain (MHS homozygote negative, PiNN), Pietrain (MHS homozygote positive, PiPP) and a F2-Duroc-Pietrain cross-breed were analyzed. The animals had comparable (P>0.05) carcass weights, but the PiPP pigs had higher carcass yield and lean meat values (P<0.05). Considering the meat quality characteristics, the PiPP showed a faster pH drop and higher electrical conductivity, drip loss, shear force as well as lightness and redness values (P<0.05). The PiPP animals had less slow-twitch-oxidative (STO) and more fast-twitch-glycolytic (FTG) muscle fibers, whereas the results of the Duroc animals were converse (P<0.05). The STO and FTG fibers of the PiPP animals were larger than those of the other genetics (P<0.05). The analysis of the mitochondrial respiratory activity (MRA) using permeabilized longissimus muscle fibers resulted in no differences between the pig genetics before and immediately after slaughter. During chilling the MRA decreased in all pigs but to a higher extent in the PiPP pigs (P<0.05).
Werner
C
C
Institute of Food Quality and Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany. carsten.werner@tiho-hannover.de
Natter
R
R
Schellander
K
K
Wicke
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001825:Body Fluid Compartments; D019069:Cell Respiration / Q000235:genetics; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003116:Color; D004560:Electricity; D004579:Electron Transport / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics*; D018656:Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018657:Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000235:genetics*; D013552:Swine / Q000235:genetics*