Overview:

DGI Durocs are recognized for their exceptional meat quality.  Research has proven that DGI Durocs consistently exhibit meat quality traits superior to those of other breeds.  Processors and retailers value the contribution DGI Durocs make to meat quality as they produce pork that is more firm, has better color, has less drip loss, and has longer shelf life. 

Our population has been free of the Halothane gene since September 1992.  By achieving this milestone in 1992, we were the first company in the world to be free of the Halothane gene. Extensive Meat Quality evaluations and DNA testing demonstrate that our population is also negative for the RN gene.  All boars tested to date have also been homozygous +/+ for the IGF2 gene.  DGI already initiated extensive meat quality evaluations in 1992-1993.  These initial evaluations characterized and benchmarked the meat quality traits of the DGI population.  An additional large-scale evaluation focusing on Loin Muscle and Belly Quality of the DGI Duroc was completed in 2002.  In 2004-2005, we conducted a major carcass evaluation with a large Canadian pork processor to further investigate the relationship between live ultrasonic measures and meat quality traits.  Additionally, we are also working with Iowa State University to further investigate and validate Live Ultrasound Technology for measuring Intramuscular Fat.

Our proven commitment to Meat Quality and production efficiency are two of the reasons that the largest integrated pork processor in Canada and the largest integrated pork processor in the United States chose DGI as the major genetic supplier for their production of fresh pork products for the Japanese market.

DGI’s pro-active initiatives, in trying to advance the industry need to address meat quality issues, have been well documented.  We believe that our registered Trademarks and continued focus on meat quality concerns are indicative of our commitment to producing better quality pork.  The DGI Duroc, with its growth rate and carcass quality traits, can be a Terminal Sire that meets the requirements for production efficiency on the farm and product quality requirements for the processor, the retailer and the consumer.

Click here for a .PDF copy of our original meat quality brochure highlighting the importance of pork quality for the swine industry. This brochure was created in 1993. We feel this brochure exhibits our long standing desire to get the industry to focus on the importance of meat quality.

If you have any questions regarding DGI's pork quality program, please contact info@designedgenetics.com.