Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of slaughter weight and sex on slaughter traits and meat quality of Zlotnicka Spotted x Duroc (ZS×D) hybrid fatteners. The material comprised 56 Zlotnicka Spotted × Duroc fatteners (28 barrows and 28 gilts) which were fattened to 245th day of life. Pigs were divided into the following three groups: Group I (n=16) <110 kg; Group II (n=23) ≥110 ≤120 kg, and Group III (n=17) >120 kg. The obtained results revealed influence of the final body weight on slaughter trait values with the exception of meatiness. Fatteners from the group with the highest weight were characterised by the thickest backfat as well as by the greatest height of the loin eye. Slaughter weight exerted a significant impact on protein content, water absorbability as well as on the pH of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. As to the influence of sex on slaughter traits, it was found that gilts were characterised by smaller backfat thickness and higher carcass meatiness than barrows. On the other hand, no effect of the slaughter weight and sex on colour parameters and sensory quality of the LTL muscle was ascertained. All the examined parameters were at high level in all slaughter weight and sex groups. The obtained results suggest that the slaughter of ZS×D crossbreds in groups I and II exerts a beneficial influence on slaughter trait levels and, at the same time, allows maintenance of high meat quality.