The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of genotype and amino acid levels on swine performance, economic returns, and carcass and meat quality. The evaluated genotypes were: MS115 x F1; Duroc x F1 (DCxF1); MS115 x Moura (MS115xMO); Duroc x 25% Duroc, 50% Large White, 25% Moura (DCxMO3). Diet amino acids contents were those recommended for high or medium performance of barrows with high genetic potential. Marbling score was higher in animals fed the lowest level of amino acids. The genotypes DCxF1 and DCxMO3 had higher daily weight gains than MS115xF1 and MS115xMO. The lowest weight gain, adjusted by feed intake, occurred in the genotype MS115xMO. The highest backfat thickness were observed in MS115xMO animals and DCxMO3 males. The highest marbling score occurred in MS115xMO animals and the lowest in MS115xF1 ones. In comparison to the genotypes selected for meat production, Moura breed affected the performance and carcass quality negatively, and affected the meat quality positively, depending on this breed proportion in the genotypes. Duroc breed affected meat quality positively in the genotypes. Diet-reduced amino acid contents increased marbling, regardless of the genotype.
Sus scrofa; marbling; nutrition; exotic breeds; Moura breed
