Effect of genotype on the quality of traditional Portuguese sausages with low salt content

The Portuguese swine breeds Alentejano (Al) and Bísaro (Bi) are traditionally bred in extensive systems. Al is a fat pig breed related to the Iberian pig breed, from the group of Mediterranean pigs, while Bi belongs to the group of Celtic pigs. In the framework of the European TREASURE project, traditional low-salt Portuguese meat products (2% NaCl) were produced in a local production unit using different genotypes of pigs: Al, Bi and hybrid genotypes BiAl and AlBi. The main objective of the work was to evaluate differences in product quality between genotypes, while trying to reduce the salt content without compromising the safety or acceptability of the products by consumers. Three independent batches were produced, and two sausages per batch were analysed. Quality of products was assessed by physico-chemical (pH, water activity, and lipid content), microbiological and sensory parameters. Significant differences in product composition were observed between genotypes. Products from Bi and BiAl pigs had a higher total lipid content (P < 0.001). Furthermore, pH was lower, while water activity (aW) was higher in low salt products (P < 0.05). The total content of biogenic amines was higher (P < 0.05) in Al products than in other products, mainly because of higher amounts of putrescine and cadaverine. The instrumental and sensory analyses show that reduction of the salt content did not decrease the quality or acceptability of the sausages