Comparison of backfat depth probes for use in pig carcass grading

J.L. Adam, D.M. Duganzich, K. Hargreaves

Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1982, 42: 119-120

Depth of subcutaneous fat plus skin was measured by Fat Depth Indicator and Introscope on 95 'backed down' hot carcasses from entire males and gilts slaughtered at 70 and 90 kg live weight. Measurements were taken 4 and 6.5 cm lateral to dorsal midline immediately posterior to the last rib.

Both probes predicted percentage fat with similar accuracy at the 4 cm site (rsd 2.4%), but at 6.5 cm the Introscope was slightly the more accurate (rsd 2.3%). Allowing for different sex intercepts improved the accuracy of predictions. Accuracy of predicting corresponding fat depths on the chilled carcass varied with probe and site.

Linear regression relationships of Introscope of Fat-Depth Indicator fat depths gave residual standard deviations of 1.5 mm and 1.4 mm at the 4 and 6.5 cm sites respectively.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Download abstract in text format
Last Updated 03-05-1997