Microbial growth on porcine meat containing different 16-androstene steroids levels

The effects of 16-androstene steroids on skatole deposition in backfat and lean pork water activity: pH and microbial flora were determined. An experimental pig population composed of 28 boars, 30 gilts and 29 barrows from commercial Duroc/Hampshire cross Yorkshire breed was used and slaughtered at ala average of 105 kg. Based on rite measurements of the 16-androstene steroid backfat content, meat from 3 groups composed of 4 pig loins with 16-androstene steroids levels, 0 mu g/g of fat (control), 0.5 mu g/g of fat (intermediate) and 1.0 mu g/g of fat (high), was enumerated for total mesophiles, psychotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonas, Micrococcaceae, lactic acid bacteria and Brochothrix thermosphacta. Results indicated that the levels of 16-androstene steroids had no significant impact on skatole level in boar backfat, lean water activity and lean pH. High levels of 16-androstene steroids did not cause bacterial population displacement nor interfere with normal bacterial growth even at elevated temperature (7 degrees C) of storage. (C) 2000 Academic Press.