Influence of selection phase, fasting and transport on porcine stress and on the development of PSE pork

Authors

• Markku Honkavaara Finnish Meat Research Centre, Box 56, SF-13101 Hämeenlinna, Finland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72372

Abstract

The objectives were to investigate the effect of selection phase, fasting time and transportation on porcine stress and on the occurrence of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) pork. The first selected pigs had the lowest blood creatine kinase (CK) activity and were least susceptible to PSE development. Whereas, the second selected animals were most stressed during transport and showed the highest frequency of PSE. On the other hand, the last selected pigs had elevated CK values from the farm up to stunning, and also showed a slow pH fall in M. longissimus dorsi (LD) 45 min postmortem (p.m.). Furthermore, the pigs of the first and last selection had, respectively, the lowest and highest lean meat content. Muscle traits such as glycogen and lactate content 0 min p.m. and pH 45 min p.m. suggested that the most acceptable pork quality for meat products manufacture could be obtained after a fast of 6—7 h if the pigs were fed twice a day. Whereas, overnight holding had a negative effect on muscle glycogen and lactate content. During transport, pigs were under greatest stress if they were loaded just before feeding period, or if they were transported in warm weather (over 10°C). Moreover, high mortality and CK values occurred at the same external temperatures during transportation. In addition, increased transport time elevated the CK activity from the farm up to the abattoir.