Quantitative anatomical studies of the composition of the pig at 50, 68 and 92 kg. carcass weight II. Gross composition and skeletal composition

Abstract

1. Results are presented concerning the gross composition of pig carcasses at 50, 68 and 92 kg. carcass weight in ten litters. They show that during the periods under consideration the proportion of muscle in the carcass exceeded that of the other tissues. However, while the rates of growth of muscle and bone were similar the growth rate of fat was markedly greater. The result was that at 92 kg. the proportions of muscle and fat in the carcass were 43·53 and 41·37%, respectively.2. Results are also presented dealing with the relative development of the different parts of the skeleton. Of the five major anatomical regions of the skeleton the sacrum grew relatively fastest between 50 and 68 kg. carcass weight while the cervical vertebrae grew fastest in the second period. In both periods the bones of the thorax and loin grew at rates intermediate between the fastest and slowest growing regions.