The use of computer-assisted image analysis in the evaluation of the effect of management systems on changes in the color, chemical composition and texture of m. longissimus dorsi in pigs

•Image analysis was used to assess the quality of meat of pigs.•Constructed a statistical model discriminating experimental groups•Shows the effect of management system on meat quality

The effect of management systems on selected physical properties and chemical composition of m. longissimus dorsi was studied in pigs. Muscle texture parameters were determined by computer-assisted image analysis, and the color of muscle samples was evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Highly significant correlations were observed between chemical composition and selected texture variables in the analyzed images. Chemical composition was not correlated with color or spectral distribution. Subject to the applied classification methods and groups of variables included in the classification model, the experimental groups were identified correctly in 35-95%. No significant differences in the chemical composition of m. longissimus dorsi were observed between experimental groups. Significant differences were noted in color lightness (L*) and redness (a*).