Research UNE

A study aiming at investigating the growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Khua pigs and their F1 crosses (Khua sow and Thailand wild boar) was undertaken. The Khua pigs had a low ADG of 50 - 70g per day. The dressing percentage and lean meat rate of Khua pig were 71 - 74 and 42 - 47%, respectively. The meat quality of the carcass in terms of post-mortem 45 minutes, 24h pH, meat colour and water losses was in acceptable ranges. The average daily gain, dressing and lean meat percentages of F1 pigs (Crosses of Khua female and Thailand wild boar) were improved by 7 - 11; 1,5% and 4%, respectively. It is also shown that the meat quality of the carcass in terms of post-mortem pH, meat colour and water losses of F1 pigs were also improved.