Effect of farm size and abattoir capacity on carcass and meat quality of slaughter pigs

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the effect of farm size and abattoir capacity and their interaction on carcass and meat quality of slaughter pigs. Pigs from small scale farm slaughtered at low-input production system had the highest backfat thickness, skin lesion score percentage of the human-inflicted type of skin lesions and the lowest lean meat content. Conversely, pigs from large scale farm slaughtered at high-input abattoir had the lowest backfat thickness, the skin lesion score, the percentage of the human-inflicted type of skin lesions and the highest lean meat content. In addition, pigs from small scale farm slaughtered at low-input abattoir had the highest pH45 value and the incidence of dark, firm and dry meat, while the highest percentage of normal and pale, soft and exudative pork was obtained from pigs from large scale farm slaughtered at the high-input abattoir. In conclusion, rearing conditions at farm level and handling procedure during the pre-slaughter period at small and large pork production systems negatively affected carcass and meat quality, compromised animal welfare and, thus, caused serious financial loss and ethical concern.