Intramuscular fat content as related to selected carcass value indicators in pigs of sire breeds bred in Czech Republic

A content of intramuscular fat (IMF) of longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscle (LLT) and its relation to a phenotypic level of chosen carcass traits was evaluated in pigs of sire breeds bred in the Czech Republic. Of the three breeds studied (Czech Meaty Pig - CMP, Duroc - D, and Czech Large White sire line - CLW-sl). Duroc breed showed the best meat quality (as expressed by the IMF content). An average content of IMF (sexes pooled) in Durocs was 1.67% (1.92% in hogs and 1.42% in gilts). In CMP an average content of IMF was 0.98% (1.19% in hogs). The lowest IMF content of LLT (0.62%) was found in CLW pigs. Coefficients of correlation (r) between carcass traits and IMF content appeared low. The highest r (-0.178*) was found between the IMF content of LLT and backfat thickness.