Effect of the halothane genotype and stress on animal performance, carcass composition and meat quality of crossbred pigs

One hundred and twenty-eight pigs, progeny of Yorkshire–Landrace sows (NN genotype) sired by Duroc boars (Nn genotype) representing 64 gilts (32 and 32 NN) and 64 barrows (32 Nn and 32 NN) were slaughtered at 104 kg liveweight under two management schemes: stress (S) and not stressed (NS), at 105 kg average liveweight. Feed-to-gain ratio was significantly lower (1.9%) for Nn pigs compared to NN pigs (P < 0.05). The pH-45 of S and Nn pigs were lower than NS and NN pigs, respectively (P < 0.01). Carcass yields were greater for Nn pigs (0.5%) compared with NN pigs (P < 0.05) and S pigs displayed greater carcass yields than NS pigs (P < 0.001). Ultimate pH of the loin was lower for NS pigs compared with S pigs (P < 0.05). Longissimus dorsi CIE L values were greater for Nn pigs than for NN pigs (P < 0.05) and percent water exudate from muscle of Nn pigs was greater (38%) than for muscle of NN pigs (P < 0.001). Carcasses from Nn pigs had 2.3% more lean than carcasses from NN pigs (P < 0.05). Results of this stu...