The amount of boar taint due to skatole varies among different pigs. This is partly due to environmental and dietary effects.
Genetic differences exist in the metabolism of skatole in the liver of different pigs.
Selection methods to identify animals that can efficiently metabolize and clear skatole should reduce boar taint. Large interindividual differences in the amount of metabolites produced were found. We appreciate the financial support of Ontario Pork and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in this research. This information is provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should verify the information before acting on it.