Juraj Mlynek

Effect of transport, rest period and temperature on pork quality from different countries

The aim of the experiment was to assess the pig meat quality in relation to preslaughter conditions and import country. In the experiment, the meat quality of 1980 pigs was evaluated. The animals were divided into three groups according to country of import (Slovakia, Hungary and Netherlands). The following pre-slaughter indicators were evaluated: duration of transport, duration of housing, temperature during housing and transport. The meat quality was judged on the basis of the pH1 value measured 45 minutes after the slaughter in the musculus longissimus dorsi – pH1 MLD and in the musculus semimembranosus – pH1 MSM. The highest frequency of PSE (pale, soft, exudative) meat in the MLD was in the group of pigs imported from Slovakia (24.13 %). These pigs had also statistically significant (P<0.01) the lowest average pH1 MLD (6.05) in comparison with other imports. The incidence of PSE meat in the MSM was in all evaluated groups above 10 %. Group of pigs from Slovakia had the lowest value of pH1 MSM (6.23) in comparison with other groups of pigs (P<0.01). Even though the average length of housing in a slaughterhouse was from 11.26 to 15.43 hours high incidence of PSE meat was recorded. However group of pigs with the longest rest period (15.43 hours - Netherlands) had significantly higher pH1 MLD and pH1 MSM compared to other imports (P<0.01). From these results can be concluded that the incidence of PSE meat in evaluated groups is relatively high. Prolonging rest period and lower temperatures had positively influence on the incidence of PSE meat and pH value.

FEEDING OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE FATTENING, CARCASS AND QUALITATIVE INDICATORS OF PIGS

In the experiment we judged the influence of genetically modified plants on the fattening-, carcass-, and pig quality parameters. We have recorded better fattening parameters in the group fed with the GM crops. We recorded statistically provable differences in the number of the test fattening days (30 – 100 kg), in the lifelong average daily gains, in the test fodder consumption (30 – 100 kg). We have recorded better carcass indicators in the group fed without the GM plants, which was statistically confirmed in the valuable meaty parts as well as thigh portions. There were no statistically provable differences found out in the meat quality indicators between the groups.

PERFORMANCE OF COLD-BLOODED HORSES IN SLOVAKIA

Horse breeding program is based on an assessment of their exterior, and is largely influenced by the performance. The objective of the work was to analyze the performance characteristics of cold-blooded horses in Slovakia using test of performance characteristics through carriage race. By evaluating the higher forms of utility control we concluded that scores in individual disciplines were very balanced during 2005-2008, which was due to a steady track of the horses involved and the carriagers. By increasing the number of new horses and new competitors in 2009 the average value of scores marked substantial deterioration, but this cannot be seen as degradation of performance of studied horses. By analysis of the factors affecting the score we found out, that gender as the only factor, did not have any significant impact on the studied disciplines of utility control. Carriager and the year of competition were amongst the factors mostly influencing the score. As the most successful line, whose representatives were most frequently and best ranked on the carriage races, we can choose the line of Bayard de Heredia. Its seven representatives participated in the period 2005-2011 altogether for 141-times and their average ranking ranged from 2.2 to 5.4.