A comparison of boars, gilts and castrates for bacon manufacture 3. Consumer reaction, to bacon from boars and castrates and an economic evaluation of a non-castration policy for bacon manufacture

Consumer reaction to bacon from boars and castrates, whose production and processing characteristics were known, was determined in 122 households consisting of 238 respondents. On a seven-point scale the mean scores for six organoleptic characteristics were similar for each sort of bacon relative to that usually purchased. A proportion of 0·045 of cooks scored boar bacon at the point of strongest rejection (unappetizing aroma) during cooking but less than 001 considered that the flavour was very much stronger than their usual bacon. Few respondents marked boar bacon inferior to their usual bacon for eating characteristics. On a comparative basis the frequency distribution of scores for flavour, juiciness and pleasantness of aroma on the plate was slightly in favour of castrate bacon but was of little importance. Using the production and processing data obtained and accepting no adverse consumer reaction to boar bacon, a financial advantage to the producer of entire male pigs for bacon manufacture over castrates was demonstrated (£2·95). However, if the retailer should not reward the curer for the extra leanness of the boar then the curer might be at a financial disadvantage.