The estimation of carcass composition in bacon-weight pigs I. The use of ultrasonic and carcass measurements

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Abstract
The relationships of live animal ultrasonic measurements and carcass measurements to carcass composition were examined using data from two fattening trials. In one trial 42 pigs were fully dissected, and in the other 64 pigs were chemically analysed. Live animal ultrasonic measurements were significantly correlated (r = 0.58*** to 0.84***) with carcass composition, and their use in the selection of breeding stock is recommended. Midline carcass measurements were poorer indicators of carcass composition than measurements taken over the eye muscle. On their own, measurements on the cut surface of the eye muscle were relatively inefficient indicators of lean meat content, but were useful when used with fat measurements in multiple regression equations. Carcass length and depth measurements were poorly correlated with carcass composition.