Post slaughter stress levels in Duroc-Landrace crossbred compared to Landrace and Duroc purebred

Abstract

The study was performed on 110 female pigs divided in 3 groups: 40 pigs from Duroc-Landrace crossbred, 35 pigs each for Duroc and Landrace purebred groups, respectively. All pigs were housed in similar conditions and fed using the same diet. Serum cortisol levels have been determined one month before slaughtering and immediately after slaughtering. The research showed higher values for serum cortisol in Duroc-Landrace crossbred before slaughtering, in comparison with the other 2 groups while post slaughtering the values were between Duroc and Landrace purebred, very close to those recorded for Duroc purebred, which were associated with the lowest stress impact on individuals. The study gives an insight on how crossbred and purebred individuals react facing stress factors, with a greater impact during life for crossbred pigs. Even if crossbreds are usually associated with an increased ability to adapt, it seems that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is actually activated more compared to purebreds, at least during life. However, given the lower cortisol levels post slaughtering, the quality of the meat is improved which is one of the most desirable traits in crossbreds.