Modifications des pratiques d'élevage : conséquences pour la viande de porcs et autres monogastriques

The monogastric meat of today differs from that produced by the animals 50 years ago. The selection of animals according to growth performance has modified the sensorial and nutritional qualities of the meat. The carcass is less fat and the animals are slaughtered younger at the same weight. The lipid content of the meat is thus decreased. However, in the medical world, meat still has a negative image of being a fat meat whereas this is no longer the case. The rearing conditions influence the quality of monogastrics meat. The feeding level and the fat matter in the diet determine the rate and composition of growth (lipids/proteins) and influence the fatty acids composition. The lipid composition of tissues highly depends on the lipid composition of the diet. Therefore, the fatty acid profile of meat (n-3 fatty acid content for example) can be easily modified through feeding, thereby improving the meat quality for the consumer and meeting the nutritionist's requirements.