The general objective of the project is to reduce the proteolytic potential of the Iberian crossed pig reared in the field in Extremadura to increase its added value and ensure its differentiation and sustainability in the market. The aim is to demonstrate that crossbreeding with local genetic lines of the Duroc breed (not improved by their lean growth) has a lower proteolytic potential in the production of crossed Iberian pig than when using the current Duroc genetic lines of high lean yield. Lean high performance genetics allow to improve the yields in the farm and slaughterhouse of the animals, but at the same time the proteolytic index of the animals is increased, which harms the quality of the final product (hams with pasty texture).
Both genetic lines will be studied in a comparative way, designing genetic crosses with pure varieties and determining the proteolysis index of their offspring. In this way, it will be tried to demonstrate if the reduction of the proteolysis in these pigs will compensate the foreseeable lower productive yields in farm and slaughterhouse that take place in the semiextensive systems. It is therefore a question of achieving new more sustainable Iberian pig crossings that will improve the competitiveness of the Iberian pig crossed in traditional Extremadura farming systems. All this through the in-depth study of the productive variables and technological quality of the carcass and proteolytic indexes of fresh ham.
The specific measurable objectives of the present project are:
Search for local genetic lines of the Duroc breed with low proteolytic potential.
Identification of at least 3 local genetic lines of the Duroc breed with low proteolytic potential.
Comparative study of the effect of the genetics of the Duroc finishing male on the productivity and quality of the carcass and the meat of crossed Iberian pigs reared in the field
Comparative analysis of genetics (Crosses with current genetic lines of the Duroc breed with high proteolytic potential vs Crosses with local genetic lines of the Duroc breed with low proteolytic potential) on the evolution of productive farm indexes (live weight, consumption, gain daily, mortality.) of 720 experimental animals.
Comparative analysis of genetics (Crosses with current genetic lines of the Duroc breed with high proteolytic potential vs Crosses with local genetic lines of the Duroc breed with low proteolytic potential) on the evolution of the fatty thickness and the diameter and infiltration of the loin during the bait to field in farm of 240 experimental animals.
Comparative analysis of genetics (crosses with current genetic lines of the Duroc breed with high proteolytic potential vs crosses with local genetic lines of the Duroc breed with low proteolytic potential) on the yield and quality of the carcass and noble pieces of 720 experimental channels.
Comparative analysis of genetics (crosses with current genetic lines of the Duroc breed with high proteolytic potential vs crosses with local genetic lines of the Duroc breed with low proteolytic potential) on the technological aptitude (proteolysis index, fatty acid profile of the fat subcutaneous) in 240 experimental fresh hams.
Comparative technical-economic study of the semi-extensive open-air exploitation model in 3 livestock farms with different forest characteristics.
Evaluation of the impact of the open-air breeding process of genetic crosses in the study of ecosystem conservation, evaluating different animal densities that respect the environment and evaluating the synergies between the use of natural resources (grass, tubers, some acorns and resources). water resources) and feed systems with feed.
Evaluation of the impact of the outdoor production system on the organic fertilization of the soil.
Technical-economic feasibility analysis of the use of genetic crosses under study in farms under the quality system established by the current Quality Standard for Meat, Ham, Pork and Iberian Loin. In particular, the exploitations under study are subject to the "bait to field" seal, where the animals are reared in the open air with minimum surfaces of 100 m2 per pig and sacrifices with a minimum age of 12 months.
The main scope of the project contemplates the realization of pilot experiences to demonstrate the positive effect on the technological aptitude of fresh ham, and therefore, on the added value and commercial profitability of the use of local genetic lines of the Duroc breed that transfer a lower proteolytic potential for hams from crossed Iberian pigs. It is a practical demonstration in a relevant environment, and whose results can be quickly converted into marketable products for livestock farmers and animal genetic companies.
These objectives will contribute to lay the foundations for the promotion in the national and foreign market of the crossed Iberian pig produced in the countryside in Extremadura, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the livestock farms oriented to rural rebirth. Well, otherwise, you can not compete properly considering the higher production costs of semi-extensive breeding.
Additionally, the objective of the project is to establish connections between breeders, research centers and interprofessional organizations, as well as contribute to the maintenance of the agricultural territorial base of Extremadura. It also represents an opportunity to increase the level of professionalization of farmers.
In conclusion, the objectives of the project in themselves represent an entrepreneurial discovery for farmers, allowing for an integrated growth by improving coordination between these agents through the transfer, articulation and cooperation of the strategic actors of the Iberian pork sector of Extremadura.
Comparative study of the effect of the genetics of the Duroc finishing male on the productivity and quality of the carcass and the meat of crossed Iberian pigs reared in the field
