Material and Methods
Animals and sample preparations
In total 20 pigs were used in this experiment. They originated from lines of Slovak
White Meaty pigs. The RYR-1 genotype (FUJII et al., 1991) of these animals was
determined by a DNA based test described previously (BAUEROVA et al., 1999).
The experiments were in accordance with the institutional guidelines for animal care
(Research Institute of Animal Production, Nitra, 1999).
The 20 pigs were equally divided in the control group and the experimental group (10
pigs each: 5 MH normal = 2 barrows and 3 gilts, 5 MH heterozygote = 2 barrows and
3 gilts). The pigs were penned in double boxes at the institute (RIAP) facilities.
The control group (group C) received standard diet. The experimental group (group E)
received a supplemental level of α-tocopherol (500 mg/kg diet) as source of vitamin E
(ROVIMIX® E-50 SD) for approximately 40 days (minimum 30 days) before
slaughter. The levels of α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in the diets are shown in Table
1 (Protocol 1222-1223/2004, Central Control Institute of Agriculture, Bratislava).