Effects of breed and age at slaughter on degradation of muscle lipids during processing of dry-cured hams

Hams from Landrace, Duroc and Hampshire pigs slaughtered at ages 6, 7.5 and 9months were processed to generate Norwegian Parma-style hams. Lipid contents and the compositions of fatty acid classes (sigma SFA, sigma MUFA, sigma PUFA) within neutral lipids, phospholipids and free fatty acids were determined. Small differences in lipid degradation and composition of the classes were revealed. However, significant sensory differences related to lipids were observed. Breed was more important than age. Dry-cured Hampshire hams gave a more intense mature odour that may be associated with higher overall lipid degradation. Unexpectedly, these hams also demonstrated high juiciness and tenderness, which could be related to the melting characteristics of the fat. Dry-cured Duroc hams showed a higher susceptibility towards rancidity, presumably associated with preferential oxidation of n-6 fatty acids relative to C18:1n-9. Dry-cured Landrace hams showed the lowest juiciness and tenderness, likely due to their lower fat content (marbling).