Abstract
The cost of production of high quality pork is compensated by high returns, but constraints by the market are increasing. A few opportunities to maintain and improve pork quality by dietary means are presented. The healthy value of pork is a prerequisite. A careful control of suppliers and preservation of feeds are essential to protect pork against presence of contaminants from the feed. The feeding level and some dietary components modify the partition of the dietary energy into different pig tissues and chemical components of pork, affecting the hygienic and nutritional value, tenderness and taste. It is difficult to transfer a nutrient from the diet to pork, if the requirements. for growth are satisfied. Fatty acids and Vitamin E are the most studied exceptions. There is some evidence that iron and selenium contents can be affected too. Varying the content of a nutrient frequently changes sensorial and technological properties of pork. The addition of oils improves the acidic profile of depot fats, but the effect on phospholipid composition is not well studied and negative effects on oxidability and consistency of meat products are observed. Vitamin E can improve many healthy and sensorial characteristics, but its effect is clearer when the meat is stressed or manipulated.