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Abstract
Lean yield line (LYL) and meat quality line (MQL) boars were mated to PIC C-42 females to determine the effects of sire line, slaughter endpoint, and sex on carcass quality and yield characteristics. Three pigs within a litter and gender category were randomly assigned to slaughter weights of 113, 136, and 159 kg. Results indicate greater marbling for the MQL compared to the LYL, but the LYL had tenderness advantages compared to the MQL. Consistent advantages in lean yield existed in the LYL compared to the MQL. Increasing slaughter weight increased the pounds of boneless cuts; however, due to fat accumulation, increasing slaughter weight negatively impacted lean yield for both lines. No quality differences were found as carcass weight increased; however the MQL carcasses had greater marbling scores than the LYL. Advantages in meat quality were not as consistent across sire lines as were advantages in yield.