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Abstract
Meat quality line (MQL) and lean yield line (LYL) sires were mated to commercial females to determine the effects of gender, sire line, and slaughter weight on carcass yield and quality characteristics. Differing slaughter weights of 113, 136, and 159 kg were randomly assigned to three pigs within a litter and gender category. Results indicate that LYL had consistent advantages in carcass yield and trimness. MQL had greater marbling and firmness in the longissimus dorsi. MQL had better overall quality, but due to the increased fat, had lower percentages of fat free lean (FFL). As slaughter weights increased, both fat and muscle increased, but FFL decreased and no quality differences were found. Barrows were consistently fatter and lighter muscled than gilts. Proximate analysis showed that MQL had higher fat content than LYL, but lower measured moisture levels.