Alpha-tocopherol content on the semimembranosus muscle of Alentejano pigs reared in intensive and extensive conditions

Abstract

This trial was undertaken to determine the effect of the rearing system (intensive vs. extensive) over the content of antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol) in the meat of Alentejano pigs. Sixteen Alentejano pigs with an average body weight (BW) of 60 kg were divided in two groups: Group I (n=10) was allocated in open-air individual pens, while Group II (n=6) was maintained in a 3 ha natural pasture. Both groups were fed a commercial diet (3100 kcal ED, 14% CP, and 20 mg/kg alpha-tocopherol) at 85% ad libitum. All pigs were killed at 100 kg BW and carcasses were refrigerated (24 h at 4ºC). Samples of semimembranosus muscle were obtained, stored under vacuum, and frozen (-30ºC) until analysis. The content in alpha-tocopherol was estimated by HPLC. Results show a significant effect (P<0.001) on the semimembranosus content of alpha-tocopherol. Group II, with access to pasture, presented content in alpha-tocopherol of 2,81 ppm, about 2,4-times higher than Group I, without access to pasture (1,18 ppm). Such results suggest a beneficial effect of the extensive rearing system over the oxidative stability of the meat of Alentejano pigs, with repercussion on the technological quality of the meat and may be useful to discriminate the finishing feeding system.