Prediction of swine carcass composition by total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC)2

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine prediction equations that used readings for total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) in the model for estimation of total fat-free lean and total fat weight in the pork carcass. Ultrasound measurements of live hogs were used to select 32 gilts that represented a range in weight, muscling, and fatness. The TOBEC readings were recorded on warm carcass sides, chilled carcass sides, and the untrimmed ham from the left carcass side. Physical dissection and chemical analyses determined fat-free lean and fat weight of the carcass. All of the ham tissues were analyzed separately from the remainder of the carcass tissues to incorporate ham measurements for prediction of total fat-free lean and total fat weight in the entire carcass. Prediction equations were developed using stepwise regression procedures. An equation that used a warm carcass TOBEC reading in the model was determined to be the best warm TOBEC equation (R2 = 0.91; root mean square error = 0.81). A three-variable equation that used chilled carcass TOBEC reading, chilled carcass temperature, and carcass length in the model was determined to be the best chilled TOBEC equation (R2 = 0.93; root mean square error = 0.73). A four-variable equation that included chilled carcass side weight, untrimmed ham TOBEC reading, ham temperature, and fat thickness beneath the butt face of the ham in the model was determined to be the best equation overall (R2 = 0.95; root mean square error = 0.65). The TOBEC and the fat-free lean weight of the ham are excellent predictors of total carcass fat-free lean weight.

The effect of chromium as chromium propionate on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and the fatty acid profile of fat from pigs fed no supplemented dietary fat, choice white grease, or tallow1

“…3 FFL = fat-free lean; FATC = total fat of carcass. Data analyzed using total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) equations (Higbie et al, 2002).…”

Effects of monoclonal antibody on fat tissue development, carcass composition, growth performance and fat metabolism of pigs by subcutaneous injection

“…Carcass measurements and values analysis for calculating fat-free lean and fat contents in the carcass were obtained after a 20 h chill at 2°C from the left side of the carcass (Higbie et al, 2002). The average backfat thickness (obtained from the left side of the carcass) included the first-and lastrib and last-lumbar fat thickness (NPPC, 1991).…”

Effect of incremental levels of red blood cells on growth performance and carcass traits of finishing pigs1,2

“…Pigs were killed by jugular puncture after electrical stunning at the LSU Agricultural Center Meats Laboratory. Carcass traits and fat and lean content from total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC; model MQI-27, Meat Quality Inc., Springfield, IL) were determined as described by Higbie et al (2002). Kilograms of fat-free lean and percentage muscling also were determined as described by NPPC (2000).…”

“…Calculated using the equation for ribbed carcasses described by the NPPC (2000).4Calculated using total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) analysis with equations fromHigbie et al (2002).5Consists of the heart, lungs, gall bladder, and liver.Red blood cells in diets for finishing pigs…”