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Virginia Cooperative Extension - Knowledge for the CommonWealth

Jr. Hog Shows - Ultrasonic Evaluation of Body Composition

Livestock Update, October 1996

Cindy Wood, Animal & Poultry Sciences

Listed below is a summary of estimated body composition obtained at three junior hog shows this year. Two different ultrasound machines were used, and pigs were measured at times that were mutually convenient: day of show for one, day before for another, and three days before for the third. In all cases, a chute or hog scale, table or some other horizontal surface, and electricity are needed. The measurements themselves take little extra time if done when the pigs are weighed in for the show. We have some funding to defray expenses on obtaining these measurements at junior shows, so please let me know if you would like to participate. To date, results have been used after the show to give exhibitors and their parents feedback about the pigs. Allen Harper or myself will be glad to try and schedule a session explaining the procedure and the results.


TABLE 1. SMITHFIELD JUNIOR MARKET HOG SHOW RESULTS
  WEIGHT
lb 		BACKFAT
mm 		BACKFAT
in 		LOIN
DEPTH
mm 		TOTAL
LEAN 		LEAN
%
Average 236.3 22.4 0.88 59.9 89.40 52.59
Minimum 208 13 0.51 48 80.1 47.1
Maximum 276 33 1.30 71 99.0 58.2
Pigs (n=72) measured with an A-mode machine March 30, 1996


TABLE 2. PAGE COUNTY FAIR RESULTS
  WEIGHT
lb 		BACKFAT
mm 		BACKFAT
in 		LOIN
DEPTH
mm 		LOIN
AREA 		TOTAL
LEAN 		LEAN
%
Average 218.4 17.3 0.68 43.0 5.0 83.6 51.5
Minimum 163 10 0.39 27 2.8 61.9 44.6
Maximum 265 32 1.26 55 7.7 103.2 55.8
Pigs (N=34) measured with a B-mode machine August 19, 1996


TABLE 3. CLARKE COUNTY FAIR RESULTS
  WEIGHT
lb 		BACKFAT
in 		LOIN
DEPTH
mm 		LOIN
AREA 		TOTAL
LEAN 		LEAN
% 		USDA
GRADE
Average 224.6 0.93 42.7 4.2 77.6 46.4 1.8
Minimum 170 0.43 32 2.6 59.0 36.3 1
Maximum 283 2.05 53 5.9 99.1 54.2 4
Pigs (N=51) measured with a B-mode machine August 19, 1996



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