RESUMO
The objective of the research was to develop a rapid, convenient method for sampling the muscle of live young pigs. A biopsy needle has been developed. It consists of two parts, a hollow outer cylinder and an inner stick. From female piglets (10-25 kg) a biopsy sample of 108 ± 42 mg was taken from the biceps femoris. No infections or mobility problems were observed. The sample can be used for further i.m. fat analysis. The mean fat content in the biceps femoris is 2·24 ± 1·12%. This i.m. fat content was measured by extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus and was determined by a Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) method. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography.
RESUMO
Nine female piglets (about 15 kg), originating from a line with a low skeletal muscularity, were compared to 9 female piglets (about 15 kg) originating from a line with a high skeletal muscularity. Electrocardiogram-parameters (frequency rise, ST-elevation, heart rate expressed as mean values per h) were measured for 17 h with an ambulatory Holter-device. Dimensions of longissimus dorsi muscle (depth, circumference, surface, speed of ultrasound) were measured with an ultrasound device based on the pulse echo principle. Parameters, with respect to muscular dimensions, were statistically significant, differing between both lines, whereas, only the ST-elevation was significant, lower in the high skeletal muscularity line. The lower muscular depth was, the higher the ST-elevation and the higher the mean lowest heart rate were, and the lower the speed of ultrasound through the muscle tissue, by the higher the mean frequency rise. Hence, in growing piglets of about 15 kg, an impairment of heart function coincides gradually with a proportional higher development of skeletal muscularity.
