ESTIMATION OF PORK QUALITY TRAITS USING STRESS INDICATORS

The current study was designed to estimate the pork quality traits using blood glucose and lactate levels. A total of forty pigs were evaluated under Indian conditions. Completely randomized block design based on 2x2 factorial experiment was undertaken with 10pigs per treatment. The pigs were transported with high and low stocking densities. Under both conditions they were transported for short duration and long duration. The pigs were evaluated for blood glucose and lactate levels before and after transport and after lairage. Blood glucose and lactate concentrates were determined along with pH and drip loss. Levels of stress indicators were high with short duration transport when compared to long duration transport. Pigs with high lactate levels exhibited high initial pH values in longissmus dorsi muscle were significantly decreased. After lairage the stress indicator levels trend to decrease to base line levels. The blood glucose level did not differ significantly with stocking density.