Authors : Xiaobing Jiang, Liang Zhang, Siqing Chen, Ketian Wang, Zhuping Chen, Lei Chen, Jinyong Wang and Li Zhu
Abstract: Ultrasound measure is an important tool to evaluate carcass merit in live swine and the accuracy of ultrasonic measurement directly related to the breeding process. Here, researchers studied the effects of machine, posture and technician factors on the accuracy of ultrasonic measurement in live swine. The results indicated that the accuracy of A-mode ultrasonic machine measurement was lower than B-mode ultrasonic machine measurement and the accuracy of B-mode ultrasonic machine with equipped 3.5 MHz linear array probe performed the highest accuracy. Measured through the ultrasonic machine back fat thickness obtained from both the posture of bowing back (p<0.01) and standing posture with mouth contacting with the ground (p<0.05) were statistically significant different from the real carcass backfat thickness. Obtained from the posture of pigs were standing naturally both backfat thickness and logissimus muscle area were most approximated to the true value. During the operation of ultrasonic machine, the value of backfat thickness recognised by unexperienced technicians was statistically significantly different (p<0.01) from the true value. Thus in the process of measure both back fat thickness and logissimus muscle area through ultrasonic machine, the types of machine, the posture of pig standing and the skill level of technicians were validated to influence the obtaining of true value. In conclusion, the results indicated that the accuracy of ultrasonic measurement can be improved by suitable machines and probes, obtain picture while pig are standing naturally and skilled technicians.
Xiaobing Jiang, Liang Zhang, Siqing Chen, Ketian Wang, Zhuping Chen, Lei Chen, Jinyong Wang and Li Zhu, 2014. Ultrasound Measurement of Backfat Thickness and Longissimus Muscle Area in Live Swine: Effects of Equipment, Personnel and Pigs Pose. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 506-513.