MEAT QUALITY OF KRŠKOPOLJE PIGS AS AFFECTED BY RYR1 GENOTYPE

The effect of RYR1 genotype on carcass and meat quality traits was investigated in the only Slovenian local pig breed Krškopolje. Thirty-six castrates originating from 12 litters were genotyped for c. C1843T (p. Arg615Cys) at RYR1 locus (recessive allele further denoted as “n” and wild as “N”). Pigs with mutated recessive allele (N/n) had lower growth rate and leaner carcasses (exhibited greater lean meat content, muscle thickness and loin eye area, thinner backfat and smaller fat area over LD muscle). A pronounced effect of RYR1 on meat quality was observed. The rate of pH fall in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of N/n pigs was faster (lower pH at 45 min after slaughter) but there was no effect of RYR1 on ultimate pH. Lower water holding capacity (higher drip loss and higher thawing and cooking loss) of meat from N/n was noted. Meat of N/n pigs exhibited also higher shear force resistance (indicative of lower tenderness).