Androstenone and skatole cause what in uncastrated or cryptorchid male hogs?

Androstenone and skatole are compounds that are primarily associated with the odors that can be unpleasantly strong in uncastrated or cryptorchid male hogs, commonly referred to as "boar taint." This phenomenon occurs when these hormones accumulate in the fat tissues of the animal, leading to a distinctive and often off-putting smell, particularly when the meat is cooked. Consumers may reject meat from these hogs due to its undesirable odor, which directly impacts the marketability and acceptability of pork products. Understanding the role of these compounds is crucial for swine producers to manage breeding and meat quality effectively.

The other options do not directly relate to the effects of androstenone and skatole. Meat tenderness refers to the textural quality of the meat, flavor loss pertains to the reduction of taste in the meat, and increased growth rate involves the overall growth performance of the animal, none of which are specifically influenced by these compounds in the context of boar taint.