Effect of an Outdoor Access System on the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Longissimus lumborum Muscle Meat Quality of the Prestice Black-Pied Pig Breed

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The conservation of indigenous animal breeds is important, in terms of global food security and agricultural sustainability. The Prestice Black-Pied pig is a Czech breed which is maintained under the National Program for the Conservation and Utilization of Genetic Resources. Compared to improved breeds, the Prestice pig is characterized by a lower growth performance and higher carcass fatness; and is therefore not competitive under large-scale rearing conditions. On the other hand, so-called “primitive” characteristics, such as hardiness and adaptability, have been preserved in this breed. Thus, they are suitable for extensive rearing conditions similar to other indigenous European breeds. Despite this, most of the Prestice pig population is kept within a conventional indoor system. No research has been performed on the performance of this genotype within extensive conditions and their subsequent meat quality. Based on the results of the present study, the Prestice pig is able to utilize local protein feed (white lupin seeds/pea seeds) well, with regards to growth and feed efficiency, and it is possible to fatten them extensively using an outdoor-access system. An in-depth assessment of the breed’s production potential and market potential could assist in the conservation of the breed; through the promotion of higher value products. ABSTRACT: The effect of an outdoor-access vs. conventional indoor system on the growth, carcass characteristics, and longissimus lumborum muscle (LL) meat quality was evaluated in 24 Prestice Black-Pied pigs, during the growing-finishing period. Two groups received the same complete diet and were housed separately under conventional indoor conditions, with only one group having full access to pasture (350 m(2)/pig). The animals showed acceptable growth rates (outdoor vs. indoor, average of 740 g/d vs. 700 g/d), feed intake (average of 2700 g/d), and feed conversion ratios (FCR) (average of 3.3 vs. 3.5). The rearing system significantly affected the fatty acid composition of the LL. Outdoor pigs had lower ratios of n − 6/n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturation indexes, atherogenic indexes, and thrombogenic indexes, compared with indoor-raised pigs. No differences were recorded in carcass characteristics, physical meat quality traits (pH(45), pH(24), drip loss, water holding capacity), or the chemical composition of the meat (crude protein, cholesterol, intramuscular fat, hydroxyproline, and tocopherol). The sensory analysis of grilled LL muscle found that outdoor pigs received lower evaluation scores for tenderness, juiciness, and chewiness, but had a better overall acceptance compared to pigs reared indoors.