Comparison of Growth Performance, Body Composition, Body Conforma- tion and Meat Quality Between Three Genetic Pig Lines

Growth performance, body composition, body conformation and meat quality were evaluated in crossbred pigs originating from three sire lines selected for leanness and conformation. The crossbred P, which was based on Belgian Piétrain had a leaner carcass and a better ham conformation compared to the other crossbreds. The presence of the halothane gene resulted in poorer meat quality in comparison to the homozygous halothane negative crossbred. Body composition and body conformation were not correlated. Hence, information on both body composition and body conformation is needed to characterize genetic lines in order to determine the true commercial value of pig carcasses, especially when meat quality has to be taken into account.