Growth performance, carcass quality, and lipid metabolism in Krškopolje pigs and modern hybrid pigs : comparison of genotypes and evaluation of dietary protein reduction

Škrlep, Martin (author), Poklukar Žnidaršič, Klavdija (author), Vrecl, Milka (author), Brankovič, Jana (author), Čandek-Potokar, Marjeta (author)

This study compared the performance, meat quality and adipose tissue characteristics of Krškopolje pigs and modern hybrid pigs under identical rearing conditions, besides examining the effects of dietary protein reduction in both genotypes. A total of 29 pigs (14 Krškopolje and 15 hybrids) were assigned to litter into two dietary groups (high and low protein). The low-protein diet for hybrid pigs corresponded to the high-protein diet for Krškopolje pigs. All diets were iso-energetic. Dietary protein reduction decreased growth rate and muscle development in modern hybrids but had no significant impact on performance, quality or metabolic traits in Krškopolje pigs. Genotype differences revealed that Krškopolje pigs had lower growth rates, less lean and more fat deposition, as reflected in thicker subcutaneous and higher intramuscular fat compared to modern hybrids. Krškopolje pigs also exhibited higher myoglobin concentration and fatty acid saturation. Lipogenic enzyme activity and histo-morphological traits behaved in a tissue-specific manner but still indicated a greater lipogenic potential in Krškopolje pigs. This study provides valuable insights into breed-specific responses to dietary changes and highlights the unique characteristics of Krškopolje pigs.

• Language: English
• Keywords: pigs, local breeds, Krškopolje pig, breed comparison, protein reduction, performance, carcass quality, lipid metabolism, meat quality
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: VF - Veterinary Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: 19 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 14, iss. 22, art. 3331
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-176021
• UDC: 636.3
• ISSN on article: 2076-2615
• DOI: 10.3390/ani14223331
• COBISS.SI-ID: 216468483
• Publication date in RUL: 18.11.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Animals
• Shortened title: Animals
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• ISSN: 2076-2615
• COBISS.SI-ID: 519120409

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.