Researchers studied how changing one ingredient in pig feed affects the type of fat that builds up in their bodies. They fed 960 pigs two different diets for about two months and measured how the fat composition changed. The study found that male pigs and female pigs naturally store different types of fat, and adding more of a specific plant-based fat to their diet changed the fat they produced. These findings could help farmers grow healthier pork by adjusting what they feed their animals, which might improve the quality of meat products.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How changing the amount of linoleic acid (a plant-based fat) in pig feed affects the type of fat that builds up in the pig’s body and meat quality
  • Who participated: 960 healthy pigs (480 males and 480 females) raised on farms for about 9 weeks, eating one of two different diets
  • Key finding: Pigs fed more linoleic acid developed more of this plant-based fat in their meat, while developing less of certain animal fats. Male pigs naturally stored more saturated fat (the harder type) compared to female pigs, regardless of diet.
  • What it means for you: Farmers may be able to improve meat quality by adjusting pig feed, though this research is specific to pork production and doesn’t directly affect how you should eat. The findings suggest diet influences fat composition in animals, which could eventually lead to healthier pork products.

The Research Details

Scientists divided 960 pigs into two groups and fed them slightly different diets for 63 days (about 9 weeks). One group received feed with 1.1% linoleic acid (a type of plant fat), while the other received 1.6%—a small but meaningful difference. The researchers carefully measured how much the pigs grew, how much fat they developed, and analyzed exactly what types of fats were in their meat.

They looked at both male and female pigs separately to see if sex made a difference. At the end, they examined the pigs’ bodies to measure muscle and fat content, then tested samples of fat to identify which specific fatty acids were present and in what amounts.

This type of study is called a controlled experiment because the scientists controlled exactly what the pigs ate and measured the results carefully. It’s the kind of research that helps farmers make better decisions about animal nutrition.

Understanding how diet changes the type of fat in meat is important because different fats have different effects on food quality, taste, and shelf life. Some fats stay solid at room temperature (saturated), while others stay liquid (unsaturated). By studying this in a controlled way with many animals, scientists can give farmers reliable information about how to produce better meat products.

This study is reliable because it included a large number of animals (960), used a controlled diet approach, and measured multiple outcomes carefully. The research was published in a respected scientific journal focused on meat science. However, because this is a single study, the findings should be confirmed by other researchers before making major changes. The study was conducted on one specific pig breed in what appears to be a farm setting, so results might differ slightly with other breeds or conditions.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that male pigs and female pigs naturally store different types of fat in their bodies. Male pigs had more saturated fat (the harder, more solid type) and less polyunsaturated fat (the softer, liquid type) compared to female pigs. This difference happened naturally and didn’t change much based on diet.

When researchers increased linoleic acid in the feed from 1.1% to 1.6%, the pigs’ meat contained more linoleic acid and less of two other fats called C16:0 and C18:0. This shows that what pigs eat directly influences the types of fat in their meat—similar to how what humans eat affects our body composition.

Interestingly, the diet change didn’t affect how much the pigs weighed at the end or how lean their bodies were. Both diet groups grew similarly and produced similar amounts of muscle. This is important because it means farmers could change the fat composition without sacrificing growth or meat quality.

The researchers also discovered that pigs with less saturated fat in their subcutaneous fat (the fat under the skin) tended to have leaner bodies overall, especially in male pigs. This suggests a connection between fat type and overall body composition.

The study found no significant differences in monounsaturated fats (a middle type of fat) between the two diet groups or between males and females. This suggests that diet and sex specifically influence certain types of fats but not all fats equally. The research also showed that the effects of diet on fat composition were similar in both male and female pigs, even though males and females naturally store different fat types.

This research builds on existing knowledge that animal diet influences meat composition. Previous studies suggested this relationship, but this large-scale study with 960 animals provides stronger evidence. The findings align with what scientists know about how linoleic acid works in animal bodies and confirm that even small dietary changes (0.5% difference) can produce measurable effects on fat composition.

This study focused only on one pig breed (Danbred pigs) raised in what appears to be a specific farm environment, so results might differ with other breeds or farming conditions. The study only tested two diet levels, so we don’t know if even higher or lower linoleic acid levels would produce different results. The research doesn’t explain exactly why male and female pigs store different fats naturally—it only documents that they do. Additionally, this is farm animal research, so the findings don’t directly apply to human nutrition, though they may eventually influence the pork products available to consumers.

The Bottom Line

For farmers: Adjusting linoleic acid content in pig feed appears to be a safe way to influence meat fat composition without reducing growth or meat quality. The evidence suggests this could help produce pork products with desired fat profiles. Confidence level: Moderate (based on one large study that should be confirmed by others).

For consumers: This research doesn’t change current dietary recommendations, but it suggests that pork producers may eventually be able to offer meat with different fat compositions by adjusting animal feed. If you’re interested in pork with specific fat profiles, this research supports the possibility that such products could be developed.

Farmers and pork producers should pay attention to these findings as they consider feed formulations. Food scientists working on processed pork products may find this useful for achieving specific fat compositions. Consumers interested in meat quality and composition may eventually benefit from products developed using this knowledge. This research is NOT directly relevant to people making personal dietary choices, as it’s about animal nutrition, not human nutrition.

If farmers implement these feed changes, effects on fat composition would appear within the 9-week growing period shown in this study. However, developing new pork products based on this research and getting them to market would likely take several years of additional testing and product development.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you raise pigs or work in pork production, track the linoleic acid percentage in your feed and monitor the resulting fat composition in finished animals using periodic fat samples. Record feed costs versus resulting meat quality metrics.
  • For farmers: Experiment with adjusting linoleic acid levels in feed (within the 1.1-1.6% range tested) and measure the effects on your specific animals and conditions. Document growth rates, feed costs, and any changes in meat quality or processing outcomes.
  • Establish a baseline measurement of your current feed’s linoleic acid content and your meat’s fat composition. If you adjust feed, take fat samples at regular intervals (every 2-3 weeks) to track how composition changes over time. Compare results between male and female animals separately, as this study shows they respond differently.

This research is about pig farming and meat production, not human nutrition or health. The findings do not provide dietary recommendations for people. If you have questions about your own diet or health, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This study was conducted on animals in a controlled farm setting and may not apply to all pig breeds, farming conditions, or geographic locations. Farmers should consult with animal nutritionists before making significant changes to feed formulations.