Phenotypic variations of muscle fibre and intramuscular fat traits in Longissimus muscle of F2 population Duroc×Berlin Miniature Pig and relationships to meat quality
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Abstract
In Longissimus muscle from a F(2) population of Duroc×Berlin Miniature Pigs, micro-structural
fibre traits and fatty acid composition were investigated to calculate correlation
coefficients between these traits and meat quality. The animals of the F(2) population
exhibited low carcass weight (55.7±11.2 kg), low meat percentage (35.0±8.4%) but a
relatively high intramuscular fat content (3.52±1.44%) compared to pure bred animals
(F(0)). No unacceptable meat quality was observed. The variation coefficients of carcass
composition, muscle fibre traits, and fat traits were high enough to allow the analysis
of candidate genes which influence the growth of muscle fibres, fat cells, and meat
quality. Phenotypic correlation coefficients between muscle fibre characteristics
and meat quality traits were low whereas fatty acid composition and meat quality were
more closely related. The correlation coefficients between muscle fibre traits and
fatty acid composition ranged from 0.10 to 0.40. The relationship between a low quotient
of n-6/n-3 fatty acids in muscle and greater fibre sizes, higher percentages of the
oxidative fibre type and higher capillary density was noteworthy indicating good conditions
for muscle growth and meat quality.