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Fazarinc G, Batorek-Lukač N, Škrlep M, Poklukar K, Van den Broeke A, Kress K, Labussière E, Stefanski V, Vrecl M, Čandek-Potokar M. Male Reproductive Organ Weight: Criteria for Detection of Androstenone-Positive Carcasses in Immunocastrated and Entire Male Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2042. [PMID: 37370552 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunocastration and rearing of entire males (EMs) are sustainable alternatives to surgical castration. However, these animal carcasses have variable risk of boar taint and should be identified at the slaughter line. We aimed to identify a simple and reliable indicator of androstenone-related boar taint by evaluating pelvic urogenital tract weight as a marker of boar-taint animals at the slaughter line. The pelvic urogenital tract, testes, and accessory sex glands of EMs and immunocastrates (ICs) were collected, dissected, and weighed, before colorimetric measurements of testicular tissue. Additionally, GnRH antibody titers and testosterone, androstenone, and skatole levels were determined. Our results showed that 81.8% of EMs had androstenone levels above the risk threshold (>0.5 µg/g fat; EM/Ahigh subgroup), whereas in ICs, the C/Ahigh subgroup with androstenone >0.5 µg/g fat accounted for only 4.3%. Androstenone levels correlated negatively with GnRH antibody titers and positively with testosterone levels and reproductive organ weights. Identification of ICs with androstenone levels above the threshold (IC/Ahigh subgroup) may be achieved via testes or pelvic urogenital tract weight measurements. However, in EMs, the latter is a more reliable parameter. A principal component analysis based on these variables and hierarchical clustering also distinguished the Ahigh from the Alow subgroup, irrespective of IC/EM. The findings highlight the possible use of pelvic urogenital tract weight along with testes weight as a simple, reliable, and efficient morphometric indicator for identifying androstenone-positive carcasses of different sex categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Fazarinc
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Batorek-Lukač
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Škrlep
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Klavdija Poklukar
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alice Van den Broeke
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Kevin Kress
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Volker Stefanski
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Milka Vrecl
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjeta Čandek-Potokar
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, Pivola 10, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
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Needham T, Gous RM, Lambrechts H, Pieterse E, Hoffman LC. Combined Effect of Dietary Protein, Ractopamine, and Immunocastration on Boar Taint Compounds, and Using Testicle Parameters as an Indicator of Success. Foods 2020; 9:foods9111665. [PMID: 33202637 PMCID: PMC7698110 DOI: 10.3390/foods9111665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the combined effect of immunocastration, dietary protein level (low, medium or high) and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation (0 or 10 mg/kg) on the adipose concentrations of androstenone, skatole and indole in pigs, and explores whether body mass, carcass fatness or testicular parameters may be indicators of boar taint in these carcasses. Immunocastration was successful in decreasing testicle functioning, and adipose androstenone and skatole concentrations, in all individuals. Immunocastration decreased testicle weight and length, seminiferous tubule circumference and epithelium thickness. Testicle tissue from immunocastrates was also paler, and less red in color, in comparison to non-castrated controls. Dietary protein level and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation had no influence on the adipose concentration of androstenone, skatole and indole. Testicle size and color were moderate to strong indicators of androstenone and skatole concentrations in the carcasses, and thus vaccination success. Immunocastration together with the adjustment of dietary protein and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation, is successful in preventing boar taint while maintaining growth performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tersia Needham
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; (H.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-224-382-343
| | - Rob M. Gous
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa;
| | - Helet Lambrechts
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; (H.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.H.)
| | - Elsje Pieterse
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; (H.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.H.)
| | - Louwrens C. Hoffman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; (H.L.); (E.P.); (L.C.H.)
- Center for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Health and Food Sciences Precinct, 39 Kessels Rd, Coopers Plains 4108, Australia
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Dalla Costa OA, Tavernari FDC, Lopes LDS, Dalla Costa FA, Feddern V, de Lima GJMM. Performance, carcass and meat quality of pigs submitted to immunocastration and different feeding programs. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:137-145. [PMID: 32360912 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The feed restriction of pigs aims to improve the nutrient utilization of the diet, reduce carcass fat and increase lean meat. Immunocastration is a painless, reversible technique that improves animal welfare, decreases boar taint in meat, leading to lower fat deposition and increases lean meat. This study aimed at evaluating either feeding (restricted) programs (FP) and castration categories (surgically castrated × immunocastration) in terms of pig performance, carcass traits and meat quality. Castration category and FP did not influence marbling, initial pH and drip loss in loin and ham. However, immunocastrated pigs presented lighter loins and hams with lower ultimate pH, compared to the surgically castrated pigs. The FP with lower feed volume resulted in higher ultimate pH. Immunocastrated males had a higher live weight than those surgically castrated. Also, the more the feed supply decreased, the better the feed conversion. Immunocastrates had lower carcass yields, however these pigs had their backfat thickness decreased and lean meat increased in the carcass, without affecting the loin depth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Filipe A Dalla Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP - São Paulo State University, 14.884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Maneja bem-estar animal, MANEJA, 89710-037 Concórdia, SC, Brazil.
| | - Vivian Feddern
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, BR 153, km 110, 89715-899 Concórdia, SC, Brazil
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4
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Park J, Campbell C, Squires E, de Lange C, Mandell I. Effects of pig genotype, immunological castration, and use of ractopamine on growth performance, carcass traits, and pork quality for entire male pigs. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2017-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Entire male (EM) pigs (152; ∼30 kg body weight) were used to examine immunocastration using Improvest and feeding ractopamine on growth performance, carcass and meat quality, and fatty acid composition. Timing for administering second dose of Improvest compared dosing at 4 and 8 wk pre-slaughter. A factorial arrangement evaluated two genotypes [Large Whites and Duroc crossbreds (Durocs)] by five management regimens (EM fed control diet, EM fed ractopamine, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 8 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter plus ractopamine). Average daily gain and gain to feed (G:F) were generally greater (P ≤ 0.01) in Durocs. Immunocastration increased (P < 0.01) dry matter intake (DMI); feeding ractopamine decreased (P < 0.02) DMI and increased (P < 0.03) G:F. Immunocastration decreased (P < 0.04) carcass and lean yields; feeding ractopamine increased (P < 0.04) carcass weights, lean yield, muscling, and longissimus shear force while decreasing (P < 0.01) backfats. Immunocastration did not affect loin pH, color, drip loss, and shear force. Timing for second Improvest dose did not affect most growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits except for greater (P < 0.02) backfats when administering dose 8 wk pre-slaughter. Effects of immunocastration and (or) feeding ractopamine were relatively consistent in both genotypes evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Park
- ADM Animal Nutrition, Woodstock, ON N4S 0A8, Canada
| | - C.P. Campbell
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E.J. Squires
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - C.F.M. de Lange
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - I.B. Mandell
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Pinelli-Saavedra A, González-Ríos H, Dávila-Ramírez JL, Islava-Lagarda TY, Esquerra-Brauer IR. Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has comparable effects to ractopamine on the growth performance, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of loin muscles of finishing pigs under commercial husbandry. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2019.1568839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Pinelli-Saavedra
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Research Center for Food and Development, Hermosillo, México
| | - Humberto González-Ríos
- Department of Science of Animal Technology, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Research Center for Food and Development, Hermosillo, México
| | - José Luis Dávila-Ramírez
- Department of Science of Animal Technology, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Research Center for Food and Development, Hermosillo, México
| | - Thalia Yamileth Islava-Lagarda
- Department of Science of Animal Technology, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Research Center for Food and Development, Hermosillo, México
| | - Ingrid Rebeca Esquerra-Brauer
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Research Center for Food and Development, Hermosillo, México
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6
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Needham T, Lambrechts H, Hoffman L. Influence of extending the pre-slaughter interval after second vaccination on the carcass cutting yield and the quality of meat from immunocastrated lambs. Meat Sci 2018; 148:13-18. [PMID: 30292699 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The influence of extending the vaccination-to-slaughter interval of immunocastrated lambs on carcass cutting yield and meat quality of the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was investigated in forty Dohne Merino lambs (8.5 months old; 53.7 ± 4.8 kg). Immunocastration booster vaccination intervals of six (IC6; n = 10) and four (IC4; n = 10) weeks prior to the slaughter age were used, with two weeks between primary and secondary vaccinations. A further 10 lambs were Burdizzo-castrated at 6.5 months old (B). The control treatment remained intact (R; n = 10). Prime cutting yields, LT muscle area, LT subcutaneous fat thickness and instrumental meat quality were accessed. Both castration methods increased LT fat thickness and decreased meat CIE a* (redness) values. Extending the vaccination-to-slaughter interval of immunocastrates increased the gastrointestinal tract fat and decreased meat redness. Immunocastration of male lambs can thus be used to manipulate backfat without negatively influencing carcass weight, cutting yield or meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tersia Needham
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Helet Lambrechts
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Louwrens Hoffman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
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Poulsen Nautrup B, Van Vlaenderen I, Aldaz A, Mah C. The effect of immunization against gonadotropin-releasing factor on growth performance, carcass characteristics and boar taint relevant to pig producers and the pork packing industry: A meta-analysis. Res Vet Sci 2018; 119:182-195. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Monitoring lean meat percentage predictions from optical grading probes by a commercial cutting pattern. Meat Sci 2018; 137:98-105. [PMID: 29156326 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The lean meat percentage (LMP) classification in Norwegian slaughterhouses is obtained by Hennessy Grading Probe 7 (HGP7), an optical tool. Even though the HGP7 method is validated frequently, there is industrial and legislative demand to reconsider the applied LMP equation, typically due to the introduction of new breeds. A deboning pilot plant generates precise yield data using cutting and deboning stratified pork carcasses by a specific commercial cutting pattern (CCP) at an annual rate of approximately 250 slaughter pigs. This paper shows how results obtained by CCP can be used to measure LMP in pork and how these results can be used for monitoring the quality of LMP predicted by HGP7. The effect of gender, maternal- and paternal lines on validity of HGP7 predictions was evaluated. The effect of introducing a new maternal line (TN70) seems to be substantial, whereas the effects of the tested paternal lines are small to negligible.
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9
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Pompeu MA, Rodrigues LA, Cavalcanti LFL, Fontes DO, Toral FLB. A multivariate approach to determine the factors affecting response level of growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in finishing pigs fed ractopamine. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:1644-1659. [PMID: 28464081 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of ractopamine (RAC) supplementation on growth, carcass, and meat quality traits of finishing pigs was studied using a meta-analytical approach. The database was composed of 57 studies published from 2004 to 2016. The dependent variables extracted for the meta-analysis included final BW, ADG, ADFI, feed:gain ratio, HCW, dressing percentage, carcass length, lean yield, back fat thickness, loin muscle area, loin depth, postmortem pH, meat brightness, redness, and yellowness. The studies were grouped by similarity in 3 clusters (C1, C2, and C3) by hierarchical clustering on principle components. The main differences observed between clusters were those of animal initial weight, which increased from C1 through C3. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the data, where studies were assumed as random effect, whereas the total amount of RAC in the diet, cluster, and sex category were considered fixed effects. The interactions between cluster and sex category (barrows, gilts, and mixed sex) and RAC level were also evaluated. Dietary RAC was effective in improving final weight ( < 0.0001), ADG ( < 0.0001), and feed:gain ratio ( < 0.0001) and had a positive effect on HCW ( < 0.0001), lean yield ( = 0.0081), loin muscle area ( = 0.0190), and loin depth ( < 0.0001). In addition, a relatively limited effect on pork quality was observed in the current study. The RAC supplementation was more effective, mainly when pigs started supplementation with higher initial weight, although different responses were observed according to sex category ( < 0.05). There is ample indication that growth and carcass traits could be improved by dietary RAC supplementation. Ractopamine supplementation did not influence the pork quality.
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Harris EK, Mellencamp MA, Johnston LJ, Cox RB, Shurson GC. Effect of time interval between the second Improvest® dose and slaughter and corn dried distillers grains with solubles feeding strategies on carcass composition, primal cutout, and pork quality of immunologically castrated pigs. Meat Sci 2017; 127:13-20. [PMID: 28092728 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Effects of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) feeding strategies on carcass composition, primal cutout, and lean quality of immunologically castrated (IC; n=863) pigs were evaluated, and consisted of: 1) corn-soybean meal (CS) diet (PCon); 2) CS+40% DDGS (NCon); 3) CS+40, 30, 20, or 10% DDGS fed in phases 1 to 4, respectively (SD); or 4) CS+40% DDGS fed in phase 1 to 3 and CS in phase 4 (WD). All pigs received the first dose of Improvest® at 11weeks. of age, and the second dose was administered at either 9, 7, or 5weeks. before slaughter at 24weeks. of age. The SD and WD improved carcass dressing percentage and resulted in intermediate primal cut yields and pork loin quality compared with pigs fed PCon and NCon. Increasing the time interval between second dose of Improvest® and slaughter increased adipose tissue accretion but did not affect lean quality of pork.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Harris
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, United States
| | | | - L J Johnston
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, United States; West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris 56267, United States
| | - R B Cox
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, United States
| | - G C Shurson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, United States.
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Needham T, Hoffman LC. Physical meat quality and chemical composition of the Longissimus thoracis of entire and immunocastrated pigs fed varying dietary protein levels with and without ractopamine hydrochloride. Meat Sci 2015. [PMID: 26201695 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Physical and chemical attributes of the Longissimus thoracis (LT) of 96 PIC(©) entire (E) and immunocastrated (C) pigs were evaluated. The study followed a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design where three diets of low, medium and high proteins (7.50, 9.79 and 12.07 g digestible lysine/kg) were fed either with (10mg/kg) or without ractopamine (RAC) for the last 28 days of growth. Vaccination of C occurred at 16 and 20 weeks and slaughtering at 24 weeks of age. The LTs were analysed for moisture, protein, fat and ash contents as well as CIE L*, a*, b* colour, drip loss, cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Various sex and protein interactions were observed for LT protein content, L* values and WBSF. Cooking loss was decreased in C and by the medium protein diet. Feeding RAC increased WBSF values, whilst decreasing a* and b* values. However, the differences observed are minor and might be considered negligible when evaluated by a consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Needham
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - L C Hoffman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
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