Muscle Fibre Characteristics and Physico-Chemical Parameters of m. semimembranosus from Pulawska, Polish Large White and Pietrain Pigs.

The aim of the study was to compare muscle fibre parameters and quality of m. seninembranosus in pigs. The experiment was conducted with 18 Pulawska pigs, 24 Polish Large White (PLW) pigs, and 24 Pietrain pigs slaughtered at 105 kg body weight. The results obtained indicate that the breed of pigs has a significant effect on both muscle fibre composition and vascularization. The muscles of Pulawska pigs are the most oxidative, as evidenced by the greatest number of capillaries and the highest percentage of type I and IIA fibres compared to the muscle of PLW and Pietrain pigs. In turn, the most glycolytic muscles (highest percentage of type IIB fibres, poorest vascularization as well as the greatest diameters of muscle fibres of all types under analysis) were noted in Pietrain pigs. Analysis of the physico-chemical parameters of the meat showed the lowest pH45, a* and IMF, as well as the highest L*, drip loss and shear force values in Pietrain pigs compared to Pulawska and PLW pigs. Significantly higher IMF, and a* values, as well as lower drip loss, shear force and L* values were observed in Pulawska pigs.