Rosie Nold University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

We raise pigs to produce pork for consumers to eat. It is important that pigs exhibited in youth swine shows produce meat that has high eating quality. Muscle color, firmness or wetness and marbling are measurements which help predict the final eating quality of pork. The carcass traits of leanness and muscling and the presence of the stress gene can impact the eating quality of pork. These traits are often seen at a higher, or more extreme level, in show pigs.

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

The commercial swine industry is focused on producing high quality, wholesome and reasonably priced pork products for consumers. In the show pig industry, pigs are managed to achieve high placing in the show ring. Some practices that help animals do well in the show ring may be undesirable in the commercial swine industry. It is important that practices in the show pig industry do not result in negative consequences for shows or for the commercial industry.