Exploring the multifaceted factors affecting pork meat quality
Sriniwas Pandey, Sheena Kim, Eun Sol Kim, Gi Beom Keum, Hyunok Doo, Jinok Kwak, Sumin Ryu, Yejin Choi, Juyoun Kang, Haram Kim, Yeongjae Chae, Kuk‐Hwan Seol, Sun Moon Kang, Yun-Seok Kim, Pil‐Nam Seong, In-Seon Bae, Soo‐Hyun Cho, Samooel Jung, Hyeun Bum Kim
Abstract
The significance of pork meat quality extends far beyond mere consumer satisfaction, encompassing crucial aspects such as health and nutrition, economic impact, reputation and branding, food safety, and sustainability within the global food system. Influenced by a multitude of factors, each playing a pivotal role in shaping its sensory attributes and consumer appeal, pork meat quality stands as a cornerstone of the meat industry. Thus, understanding these factors are imperative for ensuring consistent high-quality pork production, aligning with consumer preferences, and elevating overall satisfaction levels. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse factors affecting pork meat quality, including genetic characteristics, rearing systems, feed composition, gender differences, pre-slaughter handling, and meat aging processes.