Physiology, affecting factors and strategies for control of pig meat intramuscular fat.
Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is an important determinant of quality characteristics such as tenderness, juiciness and flavour, and of its acceptability by consumers. Research has therefore focused on improving meat quality by optimizing IMF. The present review describes evidence from studies of physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, candidate genes and nutritional regulation as well as animal trials relating to pig meat IMF and meat quality. Recent evidence suggests that breed and marker-assisted selection, candidate genes and nutritional regulation are the most promising strategies for improving IMF content. Additionally, some important aspects of IMF content research and related patents are also discussed.
Gao
Shi-Zheng
SZ
Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. gaoszkm@126.com
Zhao
Su-Mei
SM
D000818:Animals; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000032:analysis; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008460:Meat; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D013552:Swine / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D004041:Dietary Fats; D005227:Fatty Acids