Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 September 2010
In a study involving 32 boars and 32 gilts penned in either single-sex or mixed-sex groups of eight over the live-weight range 20 to 80 kg, the system of penning did not influence performance or carcass measurements, and with boars had only slight effects on the colour and ultimate pH of the m. longissimus. Sensory panel evaluation of heated backfat from fresh and cured carcasses of boars showed a similar and low sex odour level for single- and mixed-sex groups. System of penning did not influence the extent and duration of agonistic behaviour nor the incidence of mountings.