This study compared carcass and meat quality traits between 16 vaccinated (VF), 19 castrated (CF) and 8 entire
(EF) female Iberian pigs, and between 21 vaccinated (VM) and 19 castrated (CM) male Iberian pigs reared in free
ranging conditions. Vaccination consisted in the application of Improvac® at the age of 11, 12 and 14 months in
VF and VM. Pigs were slaughtered at 16months. In females, carcass and meat quality were found to be very similar
regardless of the treatment. In males, VM had a leaner carcass, lower (P b 0.05) percentage of intramuscular
fat, higher shear force andmore rancidity than CM(P b 0.05 in all cases). It could be concluded that vaccination or
castration had no major effects on quality traits in females. It should be then stated that entire females are
suitable for free-range conditions in terms of product qualities. Vaccination in females did not alter carcass and
meat quality, and specific interests should consider reproductive behavior in free-range conditions.