How does porcine stress syndrome affect meat quality?

Early research noted that PSS was associated with production of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat (38). It was also noted that energy stored in the muscles was rapidly depleted after slaughter in carcasses exhibiting PSE. This results in rapid pH decline in carcass muscles and the PSE condition (38).

Is porcine stress syndrome genetic?

Porcine stress syndrome, sometimes called malignant hyperthermia or transport myopathy, is a complex, genetically transmitted myopathy usually triggered by stress or excitement. It also can be triggered by several anesthetics, including halothane, and by depolarizing muscle relaxants.

Why are pigs with the PSS gene considered undesirable?

One of these unfavorable traits is porcine stress syndrome (PSS). Discovered in 1968, it is a genetic mutation that causes pigs to become extremely stressed under conditions normal pigs can handle. Meat that is PSE is undesirable and producers may receive less money for those market hogs.

What does porcine stress syndrome cause?

Porcine stress syndrome is a genetic condition that causes sudden death and pale, soft, exudative muscle (PSE) resulting in dark, dry, tough meat.

How do you tell if a pig is stressed?

Signs of stress in pigs include: Open-mouth breathing, vocalization, blotchy skin, stiffness, muscle tremors and the reluctance to move. If pigs begin to express signs like these, allow them to rest. It is also helpful to gently sprinkle cool water on the pig.

At what age should a pig reach market weight?

18-20 weeks
Pigs should reach market weight (275 pounds) by 18-20 weeks of age. Pigs in the nursery will gainabout 1 pound per day and use about 1.5 lbs.

What are the symptoms of porcine stress syndrome?

Clinical signs Early signs of the porcine stress syndrome include muscle and tail tremor which progress to breathing difficulties, blotched red and pale skin, an increase in body temperature to more than 41.5°C followed by collapse, muscle rigidity and death.

What does it mean when a pig nudges you?

They can nip or lunge at them, give them a head swipe or forcefully nudge them for attention. These behaviors are usually dominance games that pigs would be playing with each other. So, if a pig nudges you and you move away, the pig may assume that she has won the dominance game and has become your boss.

What is the life span of a pig?

15 – 20 years
Domestic pig/Lifespan

How much is a 250 pound pig worth?

For the 250 pound hogs yielding more than 75 percent the total wholesale weight is 31,861pounds and is valued at $26,582 or $132.91 per head.

How do you test for porcine stress syndrome?

PSS-susceptible pigs can be identified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the normal and altered genes in blood or tissue. Negative pigs are given an ear tag ‘N 1843’. The halothane test can be used in pigs 9 weeks of age.

Why does my pig follow me?

He has something to say and he wants YOU to hear it. His movements are precise and organized, he is in complete control. He may follow you around, pace at the baby gate, or wreak havoc on the house in his frustration. This is VERY different body language and behavior from a scared or fearful pig.

How does porcine stress syndrome ( PSS ) work?

Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS) return to Swine Manual index Porcine stress syndrome, sometimes called malignant hyperthermia or transport myopathy, is a complex, genetically transmitted myopathy usually triggered by stress or excitement. It also can be triggered by several anesthetics, including halothane, and by depolarizing muscle relaxants.

What kind of meat has porcine stress syndrome?

Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS) Carcasses of slaughtered swine with PSS are blanched, wet and may drip excessive amounts of fluid. The meat is referred to as pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork. Shoppers discriminate against it in the market place.

What are the signs of PSS in pigs?

Signs that appear can include tremors of the tail, back or leg muscles, muscle rigidity, inability to walk, respiratory distress, hyperthermia, blotchy dermal hyperemia, acute right heart failure, and death. Savaging of neonatal piglets by PSS-positive dams has been reported.