Chemical analyses of boar taint in male pigs

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  1. Danish Technological Institute
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  5. Chemical analyses of boar taint in male pigs
Daniel Halling Breiner

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Chemical analysis of boar taint

Chemical analyses of boar taint in male pigs

Boar taint is a distinct and offensive odour, which may develop in uncastrated male pigs. Boar taint is primarily caused by the two compounds, skatole and androstenone. Skatole is formed in the intestines due to microbial degradation of the amino acid tryptophan. Androstenone is a pheromone formed in the testicles with the purpose of attracting female pigs. Skatole and androstenone accumulate in the fat tissues of the pig.

The analysis of boar taint

The method for simultaneous quantification of skatole and androstenone is carried out on pig fat samples under DANAK accreditation. The laboratory works in accordance with ISO 17025.  

The method for analyses of skatole and androstenone is based on mass spectrometry, which allows for a rapid, selective and quantitative analysis. On request, Indole can also be analysed.

How to ship fat samples

For optimal results samples should be sliced from the neck fat 5 cm x 10 cm and 2 cm deep; vaccuum sealed and shipped frozen. If this is not possible then please inquire about alternative sampling, shipping and storing.

The results

Tabulated results will be delivered in a report with concentrations in µg/g.

LoQ for skatole is 0.05 µg/g.

LoQ for androstenone is 0.10 µg/g.

About us

The chemical laboratory has been pioneering the development and implementation of chemical methods of boar taint detection with the analysis of skatole based on liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the 90’s and latest in the later 10’s, the simultaneous analysis of skatole and androstenone based on mass spectrometry (LDTD-MS/MS).

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References

Lund, B., Borggaard, C., Birkler, R., Jensen, K., Støier, S. (2021) Food Chemistry vol 9, 100113. High throughput method for quantifying androstenone and skatole in adipose tissue from uncastrated male pigs by laser diode thermal desorption-tandem mass spectrometry.  

Borggaard, C., Birkler, R., Meinert, L., Støier, S. (2017) ICoMST. At-line rapid instrumental method for measuring the boar taint components androstenone and skatole in pork fat.  

Lund, B., Meinert, L., Borggaard, C. (2016). Simultaneous detection of off-note or boar taint related compounds in animal tissue. Patent, WO/2016/139291

Hansen-Møller, J (1994). Rapid HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Androstenone, Skatole and Indole in Back Fat from Pigs. J.Chromatogr.B, 661,219-230.

 

 

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