A radiographic study of skeletal growth and development in the pig. Temporal pattern of growth

Abstract

SummaryThe skeletons of 34 pigs killed at a number of weights from birth to 120 kg were examined radiographically. Data were also used from radiographs of 83 foetuses of different ages.Estimates were made of the age of appearance of various ossification centres and measurements taken of the diaphyseal length and breadth. A chart is given showing the age of appearance of ossification centres. Exponential equations in which the independent variate was time were fitted to both pre- and post-natal linear measurements. These equations were used to calculate the age at which each of the measurements attained a given proportion of the post-natal asymptote. The development of the pig's skeleton is discussed in relation to that of other species. Attention is drawn to the possibility that the uncritical use of accepted terminology such as early and late maturing may tend to obscure an understanding of the manner in which certain components of the skeleton develop.