J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1986. 62:632-645.
© 1986 American Society of Animal Science
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Steroid Hormone Pathways in the Pig, with Special Emphasis on Boar Odor: A Review1,2,

R. I. Brooks3 and A. M. Pearson3

Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824

Abstract

Although castration of male pigs grown for meat production has long been a commercial practice in order to eliminate an undesirable odor emanating from the meat upon heating, intact males (boars) grow faster, utilize feed more efficiently and produce leaner carcasses. This review outlines the biochemical pathways of steroid hormone formation in the pig, placing special emphasis on the C19·{Delta}16-steroids, which have been shown to produce the "urine- or perspiration-like" odor of boar meat. Analytical methods currently available for quantitation of the C19·{Delta}16-steroids are also reviewed, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked-immuno-absorbent-assays (ELISA). Finally, methods for preventing boar odor are discussed, such as environmental methods of rearing boars, genetic selection against boar odor and autoimmunization against C19·{Delta}16-steroids. Autoimmunization techniques appear to offer the most promise for inhibiting production of the compounds responsible for boar odor in male pigs raised for meat production, while still maintaining the advantages of improved efficiency and greater leanness.

Footnotes

1 Michigan Agr. Exp. Sta. Journal Article No. 11545.

2 The financial support of the National Pork Producers' Council, Des Moines, IA is gratefully acknowledged.

3 Dept. of Food Sci. and Human Nutr.






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Copyright © 1986 by the American Society of Animal Science.