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The gene (Cbg) encoding cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) has been proposed as a candidate gene to explain genetic variation in cortisol secretion and carcass composition in pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between CBG and pork quality in 5 European breeding lines, Pietrain, Large White (LW), and Landrace purebred lines, a Duroc synthetic line, and a Meishan (MS) x LW advanced intercross. Cortisol-binding globulin maximum binding capacity (CBG-Bmax) was twice as high (P or = 0.364) association between CBG-Bmax and carcass quality traits in Pietrain gilts, but CBG-Bmax was associated with increased loin yields in LW (P = 0.010) and Landrace (P = 0.103) gilts, decreased ham yields (P = 0.082) in Duroc gilts, and increased fat depth (P = 0.064) and leaf fat (P = 0.001) in MS x LW gilts. There was no association between CBG-Bmax and pork quality traits in Pietrain (P > or = 0.269) and Duroc (P > or = 0.114) gilts. Conversely, CBG-Bmax was associated with lighter (higher L* values; P

The results of two experiments studying the effects of housing conditions on post mortem muscle metabolism and meat quality are presented. In the first experiment slaughter pigs (n = 71) from two different crossings, were raised at a density of 0.7 m(2)/animal, (10 pigs/pen) either with (enriched) or without (conventional) a bedding of daily fresh straw. In the second experiment, animals (n=60) were reared under either conventional or free range housing (1.25 m(2)/animal, 30 pigs per pen) conditions. Main differences between conventional and enriched housed pigs were found in the biceps femoris (BF) muscle, and related to temperature, drip loss and colour. Association studies revealed that there were significant correlations between early (0-4 h) post mortem muscle pH and glycogen and lactate concentrations and between muscle pH measured at 1 h post mortem and muscle rigidity, expressed as the rigor value. There were significant differences with respect to meat quality and post mortem metabolism of the longissimus lumborum (LL), between conventional and free-range pigs. Early postmortem pH (0-4 h) was highest in the free-range pigs, due to low lactate concentrations. The relatively fast pH decline in the conventionally housed group resulted in increased amounts of water exuding from the meat, as measured by the filter paper method. The ultimate pH, was lowest in the free-range animals. The differences in ultimate pH, however, had no effect on drip or cooking losses. It can be concluded from these results that enrichment of the housing system has little effect on the course of the post mortem metabolism and meat quality. However, increasing the freedom of movement by applying lower stocking densities, affects the post mortem muscle metabolism, resulting in reduced water exudation. Correlations up to 0.7 between energetic parameters are not sufficiently high to be useful to predict meat quality of individual carcasses. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

QUALITY-oriented meat production has grown during the past decade and its aim is to improve the harmonisation of product characteristics and consumer demands. Consumer concerns about quality are not limited solely to intrinsic characteristics, for example, meat quality, but often include extrinsic aspects, such as environment and animal welfare in relation to production. Legislation in various EU-member states is often based on animal health and welfare considerations, protecting personnel working with animals, as well as the health and safety of the animals themselves. This interaction, whether it be during housing, transport or slaughter, should not lead to unnecessary excitement, pain or suffering. The current level of animal welfare protection in the EU is one of the highest in the world. However, the European approach is under pressure because of the differences in animal welfare standards between EU member states. Postmortem measurements in the slaughterhouse provide valuable information for welfare evaluation; however, a good feedback system should be available and a process-oriented animal welfare assurance system developed. It is suggested using the meat inspection as an animal welfare diagnostic tool or in animal welfare surveillance schemes at national and international levels; however, the meat inspection process needs to be standardised, as discussed in a paper on pigs summarised on p 621 in this week's issue of Veterinary Record (Harley and others 2012).

The gene (Cbg) encoding cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) has been proposed as a candidate gene to explain genetic variation in cortisol secretion and carcass composition in pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between CBG and pork quality in 5 European breeding lines, Pietrain, Large White (LW), and Landrace purebred lines, a Duroc synthetic line, and a Meishan (MS) x LW advanced intercross. Cortisol-binding globulin maximum binding capacity (CBG-Bmax) was twice as high (P or = 0.364) association between CBG-Bmax and carcass quality traits in Pietrain gilts, but CBG-Bmax was associated with increased loin yields in LW (P = 0.010) and Landrace (P = 0.103) gilts, decreased ham yields (P = 0.082) in Duroc gilts, and increased fat depth (P = 0.064) and leaf fat (P = 0.001) in MS x LW gilts. There was no association between CBG-Bmax and pork quality traits in Pietrain (P > or = 0.269) and Duroc (P > or = 0.114) gilts. Conversely, CBG-Bmax was associated with lighter (higher L* values; P