Abstract：In this study, changes in cortisol and blood biochemical parameters among different pork quality grades were
compared to analyze the validity of these indicators to identify pale, soft, exudative (PSE) and dark, firm, dry (DFD)
pork. Blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher in PSE pork compared to normal pork (RFN) from the same
carcass (P ＜ 0.05), and DFD pork had a significantly higher serum cortisol concentration (P ＜ 0.05). Thus, blood glucose
concentration can be used as an indicator of PSE pork. PSE pork may be formed when blood glucose concentration prior to
slaughter reaches (17.21 ± 3.12) mol/L. Similarly, serum cortisol concentration can be an indicator of DFD pork, which
may be confirmed when serum cortisol concentration in pre-slaughter pigs reaches (512.70 ± 49.9) nmol/L.
2013, Vol. 27 
