December 1, 2006

Australian researcher devise system to measure fat in pork bellies

An Australian researcher has developed a camera-based measurement system to quantify belly fat percentage so that producers could in future involve belly composition in their breeding decisions.

The system, devised by Dr Susanne Hermesch of Australia's University of New England, could predict belly fat percentage from the intermuscular fat area, muscle area of rib muscle, and subcutaneous fat area

A high lean/fat ratio with a well defined lean meat streak is highly desired in pork bellies

Using the camera, the data is derived from images of the anterior side of the belly as well as the backfat depth. The resulting equation explained 76 percent of the variation in fat percentage of the belly, Hermesch said and could be used to study genetic and management influences of pork belly characteristics.

Belly characteristics were recorded on 2,500 pigs, and heritabilities and genetic correlations with other traits were estimated.

Information from this project would allow seedstock producers to incorporate belly composition in breeding decisions, Hermesch said.

Live animal or on-line carcass measurement systems would be required if producers are to exploit genetic and management influences on belly composition, Hermesch said. Currently the industry uses ultrasound imaging systems to determine fat content of pedigree pigs.