Abstract:

In order to explore the effect of energy level on H-FABP gene expression and pork quality, 18 DLY pigs (60 kg) were randomly divided into two groups, which were fed food containing high energy (DE 13.85 MJ/kg, CP 14%) and low energy (DE 12.75 MJ/kg, CP 14%), respectively. All the pigs were slaughtered at the body weight of 100 kg to determine H-FABP gene expression and meat quality traits. The results showed that high-energy food increased H-FABP gene expression (P＞0.05). Highenergy food also increased intramuscular fat (IMF) content and back fat thickness (BFT) (P＜0.05); H-FABP gene expression was positively correlated with IMF (P ＜ 0.05) and IMF was positively correlated with BF (P ＜ 0.05). These investigations suggested that energy level was able to affect FABP gene expression and meat quality.

Key words: pigs, energy level, H-FABP gene, gene expression, meat quality