Preliminary study on the influence of the geographical origin and farming system on ‘Nero dei Nebrodi’pig using chemical and isotopic fingerprinting

In this study, the geographical origin of longissimus dorsi meat from 'Nero dei Nebrodi' pigs reared in two distinct regions of north-eastern Sicily was indagated by correlating chemical-nutritional parameters, stable isotope composition, fatty acid and sterol profiles, and mineral element content. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the 'Nebrodi group' (NG) and the 'External Nebrodi group' (ENG) were found for 51 over 80 variables. The δ2H, δ18O, δ13C and δ15N of the defatted meat were statistically different (p<0.01) between NG and ENG animals, indicating a change in the composition of the diet and drinking water consumed. The results showed that the characteristic rich endemic vegetation of the Nebrodi influences not only the chemical-nutritional parameters of the meat but also its isotopic ratios, allowing for a geographical characterization required for the traceability of this peculiar product, aspiring to a protected designation of origin.