Blanco Penedo, Isabel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- University of Lleida
Abstract
Despite their substantial contributions to herd productivity, culled sows typically receive minimal economic valorisation. This study evaluated the feasibility of finishing culled Iberian sows under free-range conditions (montanera finishing system) and assessed the effects of immunocastration on productivity, welfare, and meat quality. Thirty-six culled Iberian sows were assigned to two treatments: entire sows (n = 18) and immunocastrated sows (n = 18). Following a maintenance phase and a pre-finishing transition, animals were finished under montanera conditions with ad libitum access to acorns and pasture. Productive traits, welfare indicators, carcass traits, and meat quality parameters were evaluated. Immunocastration effectively suppressed reproductive function without compromising productive traits or meat quality in culled Iberian sows. Both groups exhibited comparable body weight evolution, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes consistent with Iberian standards. The results indicate a clear potential for value generation, transforming animals from minimal-value culling categories to premium montanera products. This integrated approach combining immunocastration with traditional extensive finishing systems provides a viable way to add value to culled sow valorisation within circular economy frameworks, addressing economic, environmental, and welfare challenges of sustainable livestock production.
Keywords
dehesa ecosystem; natural resources; castration alternatives; animal behaviour; meat quality
Published in
Animals
2026, volume: 16, number: 1, article number: 152
Publisher: MDPI
SLU Authors
UKÄ Subject classification
Clinical Science
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010152
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/145802