The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the halothane genotypes (heterozygous and dominant homozygous) and intensive rearing systems (indoor, wood shavings bedding and outdoor) on growth performance, carcass and meat yield. Ninety six castrated male pigs were used for the trial. Identification of the halothane genotype was determined in blood samples using the DNA-test, based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of the critical region of the ryanodine receptor and subsequent restriction of the amplified fragment by restriction fragment lengh polymorfism technique (RFLP). Growth and finishing performance were evaluated by weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency. Carcass quality was evaluated by backfat and muscle depth, meat percentage through Hennessy Grading Probe and carcass weight. Twenty four hours after slaugther, ham and loin weight were recorded and the loin eye area was evaluated. The growth performance was similar for the two genotypes. The heterozygous pigs for the halothane gene had higher percentage of fat-free lean and less fat in the carcass. Outdoor reared pigs showed lower average daily gain and worst efficiency than pigs reared indoor. Carcasses of pigs reared under wood shavings bed had less fat-free lean and greater backfat thickeness. The interaction between halothane genotypes and rearing systems had no significant effect on any trait studied.
halothane gene; outdoor rearing system; pork meat; wood shavings bedding
