Carcass Quality and Hematological Alterations Associated with Lung Lesions in Slaughter Pigs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine effects of lung lesions on carcass quality and hematological parameters of slaughter pigs. The group of pigs with lung lesion score 2 had significantly lower live weight, hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight compared to the group of pigs with lung lesion score 0 (P<0.05). The same group of pigs had significantly higher back fat thickness at two points, and consequently significantly lower meatiness (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between groups for the carcass dressing (P>0.05). The total number of red blood cells, concentrations of hemoglobin and hematocrit showed significantly lower mean values in the group of pigs with lung lesions score 2 (P<0.05). Significantly higher mean value was also found in the group of pigs with lung lesion score 2 in the total white blood cell count, lymphocytes and neutrophils (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were found between groups of pigs in the mean value of middle-sized cells, leukocytes fractions (lymphocytes, middle-sized cells, and neutrophils) and platelet count (P>0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that lung lesions in fattening pigs had negative impact on carcass quality and hematological parameters.