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Creatine-kinase test (CK test) as a selection criterion to estimate stress resistance and meat quality in pigs

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Abstract

The problems of pale, soft exudative muscle in pigs (PSE) and death during transportation are discussed. Both phenomena are caused by a hereditary disturbance of the energy metabolism of muscle and excessive production of lactate during exertion (exertional myopathy). An enzymatic test (CK test) for the estimation of hereditary proneness to exertional myopathy in the live breeding animal is described. Phenotypic correlations between CK values and parameters of meat quality are r=−0.4 (N=357 pigs). The heritability of CK values is h2=0.3 (N=3601 pigs). The scope and limitations of the CK test as compared with other test methods are discussed. It is concluded that the CK test is useful as a selection criterion for breeding schemes.

Kurzfassung

Die Probleme des blassen, weichen, wässrigen Fleisches (PSE) und des Transporttodes der Schweine werden diskutiert. Beide Phänomene beruhen auf einer erblichen Störung des Muskelenergiestoffwechsels und übermässiger Lactatproduktion bei Belastung (Belastungsmyopathie). Es wird über ein enzymatisches Testverfahren (CK-Test) berichtet, das die Schätzung der erblichen Disposition für Belastungsmyopathie bei lebenden Zuchttieren erlaubt. Phänotypische Korrelationen zwischen CK-Wert und Merkmalen der, Fleischqualität betragen r=−0,4 (357 Schweine). Die Erblichkeit des CK-Wertes erreicht h2=0,3 (3601 Schweine). Möglichkeiten und Grenzen des CK-Testes werden, im Vergleich mit anderen Testverfahren diskutiert. Der CK-Test scheint als Selektionsmerkmal für Zuchtprogramme geeignet zu sein.

Resume

Les problèmes de la qualité de la viande et de la mortalité des porces en cours de transport sont discutés. Les deux phénomènes sont causés par un défaut héréditaire du métabolisme de l'énergie, du muscle et d'une production excessive de l'acide lactique sous la contrainte (myopathie de contrainte). Un procédé de test enzymatique (CK-test) est décrit qui a permis d'estimer la prédisposition héréditaire pour la myopathie de contrainte chez l'animal reproducteur vivant. Les corrélations phénotypiques entre les valeurs, du CK-test et les critères de la qualité de la viande sont égales à r=−0,4 (portant sur 357 porcs). L'héritabilité de la valeur CK est h2=0,3 (portant sur 3601 porcs). Les possibilités et limitations du CK-test en comparaison avec les autres procédés de test sont discutés. Le CK-test semble utilisable comme critère de sélection pour les programmes d'élevage.

Riassunto

Si discutono i problemi della qualità della carne e della mortalità durante il transporto. I due fenomeni sono causati da una alterazione ereditaria del metabolismo muscolare e da una eccessiva produzione de lettati durante lo sforzo (miopatia da stress). Si descrive un test enzimatico (CK-Test) che ha permesso di stimare la predisposizione ereditaria alla miopatia da stress nell'animale riproduttore vivo. Le correlazioni fenotipiche tra i valori de CK-Test ed i criteri della qualità della carne sono r=−0,4 (357 maiali). L'ereditarietà del valore CK è di h2=0,3 (3601 maiali). Si discutono le possibilità ed i limiti del CK-Test in relazione ad altri tipi di test. Sembra che il CK-Test sia utilizzabile come criterio di valutazione nei programmi di selezione.

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This article was originally written in German. Copies of the German version may be obtained free of charge by writing to: Mr. J. Rodesch, Commission of the European Communities, DG XIII, Bâtiment Jean Monnet, Rue Alcide de Gasperi, Kirchberg, Luxembourg.

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Bickhardt, K., Flock, D.K. & Richter, L. Creatine-kinase test (CK test) as a selection criterion to estimate stress resistance and meat quality in pigs. Vet Res Commun 1, 225–233 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02267653

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