engleski

Changes in pig carcass composition during growth

The aim of present study was to investigate the changes in carcass composition of pigs during growth. The study was performed on 60 pigs (30 gilts and 30 barrows) aged 49 to 215 days. During the experiment every animal was weighed once a week. Every three weeks according to average group weight four representative animals were slaughtered at slaughterhouse. Main parts of the carcasses (ham, shoulder, loin, ribs and neck) were dissected into muscles, bones, intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous fat with skin. Muscle growth was most intense when pigs aged between 83 and 167 days. Differences in tissue composition of pigs within a breed are markedly influenced by sex. Gilts had higher muscle tissue percentage in relation to distribution of the other tissues in carcasses. At the end of fattening period muscle growth slows down ; the time and the rate at which this occurs are dependent on sex and genetic structure of the animal. Significant accumulation of fat tissue starts at higher live weight.

growth; pigs; tissue composition

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