title: Influence of loading method and stocking density during transport on meat and dry-cured ham quality in pigs with different halothane genotypes.
abstract: The effect of loading method and stocking density in transit on meat and dry-cured ham quality was investigated in pigs with different halothane genotypes. A total of 507 Italian heavy pigs, supplied by two farms, were loaded by ramp or lift and transported unmixed for 35-55 min to the abattoir at a stocking density of either <0.4 or >0.6m(2) per 100 kg pigs. After overnight lairage in separate pens with free access to water, the pigs were slaughtered. Halothane genotype was assessed post mortem. Four hundred and thirty-nine pigs had a homozygous dominant (NN) genotype and 68 pigs were heterozygous (Nn). Carcass skin damage, meat quality traits and ham curing parameters were evaluated. Loading method and stocking density showed a negligible effect on meat and dry-cured ham quality while the predominant factor affecting these was the halothane genotype. Nn pigs produced meat with a faster rate of pH fall and lower water holding capacity as well as ham with higher weight losses in salting and greater incidence of defects in the dry-cured product. There were insignificant interactions between halothane genotype and loading method or stocking density. Overall, irrespective of pre-slaughter treatment, the Nn pigs were less suitable for the production of high quality products such as dry-cured ham.
authors: Sezione Allevamenti Zootecnici, Dipartimento di Protezione e Valorizzazione Agroalimentare DIPROVAL, Facoltà di Agraria, Università di Bologna, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Nanni Costa
authors: D P
authors: DP
authors: Lo Fiego
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Dall'olio
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Davoli
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Russo