Growth performance, carcass and meat quality of four local breeds

This study confirms the poor fattening performance of local breeds compared with improved breeds.Only the Blanc de l’Ouest pig stands out by its zootechnical performance, which lies between the three other local breeds and the Large White. This inferiority is further worsened by poorer reproductive performance,where the Blanc de l’Ouest again has an intermediate rank. For these reasons these animals can only be exploited outside the mainline industry. Extensive finishing has proved highly detrimental to growth performance and feeding efficiency. However, the carcasses obtained are leaner. In conclusion, the utility of extensive finishing resides mainly in the reduced fatness it induces, which enhances the visualappeal of the produce.