Under the conditions of modern pig production in Ukraine products quality control has becoming more and more important. This question was solved long ago in EU countries where there are directives which administratively support the standards of carcasses classification of cattle and pigs. They set a clear gradation of meat and meat products prices thus encouraging producers’ interest and effectiveness of production. It is simple and effective scheme, but Ukrainians appear not to like simplicity and effectiveness... 

Old GOST (state standards) and new DSTU (National Standards of Ukraine)

Or country has all the opportunities to become one of the world leaders in pork production. But standardization of carcasses classification is of essential importance in international meat and meat products trade. But Ukraine has little to show in this matter. Such diversifications with international requirements prevent objective determination of products’ quality, its evaluation and correct labeling.

Nowadays in Ukraine the quality of pigs for slaughter and the category of their carcasses is determined on the basis of two standardized documents: GOST1213-74«Pigs for slaughtering. Technical conditions» and GOST7724–77«Meat. Pork in carcasses and half carcasses. Technical conditions». Such bifurcation is not typical for most countries of the world, as the payment is given not for live weight but for slaughter weight (74% from live weight); the bonuses are paid for the quality of the carcass, larger meat output and higher leanness. The understanding that GOST is the past has gradually come to Ukraine. As a result DSTU 4718:2007 appeared which, however, it is not put into operation. It combines the requirements of determination of slaughter pigs and carcasses categories. But in the heart of classification the age of animal, live and slaughter weight back fat and muscles structure are left.

DSTU 4718:2007 was supposed to be a step forward, a new wave in Ukrainian pig production. The main drawback of the document is the absence of evaluation of carcasses according to the meat content. It is not possible to pay for pig without knowing what’s inside of it. It is not possible to determine the back fat by making a rough estimation or by palpation. But it is normal in Ukraine.

Read more about:

compulsory and optional systems of carcasses classification in EU;

practical “efficiency” of  DSTU 4718:2007;

classification of pigs according to the sexual characters;

absence of distinct standards of pigs carcasses classification ;

absence of information content of Ukrainians pigs’ labeling ;

 in full version of «Profitable Pig Production» magazine, № 4, 2012.