The aim of this study was to compare production, carcass and meat quality parameters, boar taint compounds
and fat composition of green and dry-cured hams, between immunocastrated (IM), surgically castrated (CM)
and female (FE) Duroc purebred pigs (n=75, 138.7±8.27 kg). Liveweight and fat and muscle thicknesses
were measured and average daily gain was calculated during growth. Carcass, meat and fat quality parameters
were measured. Immunocastrated grew faster than CM or FE after the second dose of vaccine. IMhad the lowest
dressing percentage but similar % of ham and carcass lean to FE and CM. The effect of the immunocastration on
carcass fatness depended on the location, did not affect fat and meat quality and reduced skatole and androstenone
levels. Both in green and dry-cured ham, immunocastration slightly altered FA composition. Thus, Duroc
pigs vaccinated with Improvac are suitable for the production of high quality dry-cured ham.