Until recently, boar taint was measured using two systems. One based on the presence and concentration of skatole and androstenone. The other on the basis of observations as part of the Human Nose System (HNS) quality control system.
During the five-year research programme ‘Boars Heading for 2018’ researchers wondered whether HNS could also be used in breeding applications. Research proved that a strong genetic correlation exists between the HNS scores and various breeding lines. The HNS not only proves its efficacy during in-line detection, but can also be used in breeding. The HNS scores can be used to effectively reduce boar taint.
Detailed information can be obtained straight from the researcher in question. For the (English-language) research report and contact details click here.