The area of pig eye muscle and backfat thickness are directly related to lean meat percentage, and are highly valued as two important indicator parameters in pig genetic breeding and performance identification. Their accurate measurement is of great significance. The measurement of backfat thickness in living organisms has been widely used in the implementation of ultrasound technology, while the determination of eye muscle area often relies on slaughter experiments, and its live measurement technology is not yet fully mature in China.

Measurement method:

1. Pig Baoding

Measurement in the pigsty, especially in the feeding restriction column, does not require special fixation. Let the pigs stand naturally or feed them with appropriate concentrate to maintain quietness. If operating in the wild, iron bars can be used for restriction or pig pens can be used for fixation, allowing them to stand naturally.

2. Measurement location

The measurement of pig eye muscle area and backfat thickness is generally done at the same location. Most units in our country use a three-point average, which is located 4cm away from the midline of the back at the posterior edge of the scapula, the last rib, and the lumbar spine junction. Some people only measure a point 4cm away from the midline of the back at 10-11 intercostal spaces. It can be determined according to actual needs.

3. Operating procedures

Trimming the measurement position (try to cut it clean as much as possible, and if necessary, wipe off the scab with warm water) - Apply coupling agent to the measurement mold plane and probe plane, and bond the measurement mold to the probe - Apply an appropriate amount of coupling agent to the pig back measurement position - Place the probe and measurement mold on the measurement position, so that the measurement mold is as close to the pig back as possible, but not under heavy pressure - Observe and adjust the screen image to make the brightness 4, contrast 4, and gain appropriate, try to increase the near-field and decrease the far-field, and freeze the image when obtaining the ideal image - Measure the backfat thickness and eye muscle area, and add explanatory materials (such as measurement time, location, pig number, etc.) - Image printing or storage processing.

4. Image determination

When measuring, it is necessary to make the straight plane of the probe perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the back midline, and not oblique, in order to obtain cross-sectional images of the positive and negative axes. When identifying ultrasound images, first determine the 3-4 strong echo bands generated by the skin interface, adipose tissue, and longest dorsal muscle membrane, and then determine the strong echo images of the muscle membrane around the eye muscle to determine the perimeter of the eye muscle area.