GENETICS OF PIG MEAT QUALITY: A REVIEW

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Abstract
This paper is a review of current knowledge about genetic effects on technological and eating qualities of pork. These effects have been recognized as primordial sources of variation of meat quality in the porcine species. Nevertheless, some significant advances have recently been obtained in this area. This literature survey reveals that:The halothane sensitivity gene (HALn) explains to a large extent the overall genetic variation in technological quality and eating quality of pork. Evidence is accumulating that the halothane sensitivity gene is not completely recessive regarding its effects on quality traits. Producing slaughter pigs heterozygous at the HAL locus may result in deficiencies in meat quality, probably depending on slaughter conditions and perhaps also on slaughter weight.Breed differences in technological and sensory qualities of pork partly result from the large breed variation in incidence of halothane sensitivity, but other factors are implied, particularly ultimate pH and intramuscular fat content of meat.The major dominant gene RN‐is probably at the origin of the previously described “Hampshire effect” on meat quality.Heritability of most traits referring to the technological quality of meat is low to moderate (0.15 to 0.30), whereas heritability of intramuscular fat content is high (0.40 to 0.50). A genetic antagonism exists between technological quality of pork and growth or body composition traits. The halothane sensitivity gene is the major factor responsible for the “meat quantity — meat quality” genetic antagonism.