Descriptive flavor analysis of bacon and pork loin from lean-genotype gilts fed conjugated linoleic acid and supplemental fat.

This study evaluated the combined effects of dietary CLA and supplemental fat (SF) source on organoleptic characteristics of bacon and pork loin samples in lean-genotype gilts (n = 144). Gilts (49.3 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to a 3 x 2 factorial design, consisting of SF [0% SF, 4% yellow grease (YG), or 4% tallow] and linoleic acid (LA; 1% corn oil or 1% CLA). Animals were slaughtered (113 kg) after a feeding period of 47 d. A trained sensory panel (n = 6 members) developed a flavor profile on commercially cured bacon samples (12 descriptors) and center-cut, boneless, pork loin chops (18 descriptors, using a 14-point, universal intensity scale). Bacon samples from pigs fed 4% SF were considered to have a sweeter flavor (4.07 +/- 0.07) than those fed 0% SF (3.89 +/- 0.07; P < 0.04). The intensity of salty flavor was greater in bacon samples from pigs fed LA (6.18 +/- 0.09) compared with those fed CLA (5.86 +/- 0.10; P < 0.04). The intensity of salty aftertaste of bacon was greater when LA was combined with YG (5.21 +/- 0.14; P < 0.07) or tallow (5.44 +/- 0.14; P < 0.01) than for LA alone (4.85 +/- 0.14, but SF combined with CLA was not different from CLA alone (fat x LA; P < 0.02). Sour flavor intensity tended to be lower in loin samples from pigs fed CLA than for those fed LA (1.60 vs. 1.73 +/- 0.06; P < 0.09). Samples from animals fed 4% tallow tended to have lower (P < 0.09) notes of astringent aftertaste (1.42 +/- 0.08) compared with those fed 0% SF (1.62 +/- 0.09) or 4% YG (1.66 +/- 0.09). Overall, the flavor differences for bacon and loin samples were minimal, with most means differing by 1 point or less on the 14-point intensity scale. The sensory panel results indicate consumer acceptance of bacon and pork products from pigs fed CLA will not likely differ from commodity pork products.