Blood parameters, carcass and meat quality of slaughter pigs with and without liver milk spots

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of liver milk spots on hematological, carcass and meat quality parameters in slaughter pigs. A total of 120 pigs with a live weight of approximately 115 kg and six months old were examined. Any signs of liver milk spots were recorded as present or absent according to Welfare Quality® protocol (2009). A complete blood picture was investigated. The following carcass quality parameters were measured: live, hot and cold carcass weights, dressing percentage, backfat thickness and meatiness. pH and temperature measurements were performed 45 minutes postmortem. Pork quality classes (PSE - pale, soft and exudative, normal, DFD - dark, firm and dry meat) were determined according to Adzitey and Nurul (2011) using pH45 value. Pigs with liver milk spots had significantly higher middle-sized cell count (monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) and neutrophils count, but significantly lower red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and MCV than unaffected pigs. The same group of pigs had significantly lower live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, dressing percentage and meatiness compared to the pigs free of milk spot lesions. Pigs showing liver milk spots had significantly higher pH45 value and incidence of DFD meat than pigs without pathological lesions in the livers. In conclusion, assessment of liver milk spots at slaughter line has potential to serve not only as an indirect measure of pig health and welfare, but also for the carcass and pork quality.

Keywords

• DFD meat
• liver milk spots
• slaughter pigs
• slaughterhouse