Describing backfat and Semimembranosus muscle fatty acid variability in heavy pigs: Analysis of non–genetic factors

This study aimed to describe the multivariate structure of Semimembranosus muscle and backfat fatty acid (FA) composition in 798 Italian Large White heavy pigs investigate effects environmental factors carcass characteristics on FA variations. The total variability was characterized by a negative correlation between saturated polyunsaturated FAs, which strongly depended adiposity. Slaughtering season also relevant, with slaughtered autumn having more n-6 FAs eicosadienoic backfat, while winter displayed FAs. Regarding muscle, heavier belly cuts had higher proportions cis-vaccenic palmitoleic acids, those summer emerged as relevant factor shaping both composition, indicating that studies attention should be paid factors, may have metabolism deposition finishing pigs.