Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Diet on Muscle Metabolism, Quality, Sensory and Oxidative Stability of Pork in Female, Entire and Castrated Male Pigs

Forty-two (42) finishing pigs (entire males—EM, surgical castrates—SC and gilts—G, each of 14)—progeny of Landrace sows and Hampshire × Pietrain boars, were included in the trial. They were randomly divided into control and experimental groups (each of seven). Control groups were fed the standard diet without any supplement. Experimental groups received standard diet with the same composition as control but with supplement of creatine monohydrate (CMH, 2.0 g/kg of feed) for 30 d prior to slaughter. Sex of pigs had significant effect (p < 0.05) on drip loss and tenderness of pork when EM showed higher drip loss than SC and lower tenderness compared to other two groups (4.71% vs. 3.80%, resp. 3.23 vs. 3.91 and 4.12). Creatine level in plasma was increased by CMH supplementation in 46% in EM, 43% in SC and 41% in G. Similarly, concentration of phosphocreatine (PCr) in muscle increased in 84% in EM, 88% in SC and 83% in G, respectively. CMH also improved meat colour L (50.03 vs. 48.88) and reduced drip loss in both EM (5.24% vs. 4.18%) and G (4.48% vs. 3.60%). Higher tenderness and better oxidative stability of pork after CMH supplementation was found in all three sexes.