The mineral composition of pork loins from finishing gilt and cull sow: A comparative study

Abstract

The mineral compositions of pork loins (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) obtained from sows and commercially-raised finishing gilts were compared. Sow and commercial pork loins were obtained from crossbred (Landrace x Yorkshire female x Duroc male) sows (n = 6, approximately 24 months) and finishing gilts (n = 6, approximately 6 months), respectively. The mineral contents of pork loins were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer system. In the pork loins, no significant differences in Al, B, Mg, P, K, Na, and S contents were found. However, sow loins showed greatly higher Ca, Fe, and Zn contents compared to commercial pork loins (P < 0.05). In this regard, muscle fiber type transformation during pregnancy and/or lactation might be considered as one of the most reasonable factors changing chemical composition of sow muscles. Thus, the results of this current study suggest that increased proportion of slow-twitch muscle fiber in sow loins might be associated with increased Ca, Fe, and Zn contents.