The way of measuring pig’s back-fat

The way of measuring pig’s back-fact with Back-fat Measuring Instrument:

The P2 point of back-fat is a basis data in international pig farming.

1. Confirm the waypoint（P2）

Moving the figure on rib part of pig, find the last one rib (confirm the front-back position) and the two side of vertebrae about 65mm (2.5 inch), also the width of hand (confirm the left-right position). Suggested that measuring at right to reduce errors.

2. Clearing and preparing:

Clearing out the fur at P2 point by shearing; about 5cm *5 cm square on the left and right. At the same time clearing the flakes of skin.

3. Apply the coupling agent:

Apply the coupling agent at P2 point, can also apply with vegetable oil, and apply evenly to ensure the ultrasound can penetrate, exclude the air and bubbles which the ultrasound can’t penetrate.

4. Measuring and reading:

Pressing the button, and put the probe on the animal skin, moving around gently to ensure there are not air or bubbles impact measurement. 

Most of pigs only have three layers of back-fat. We can get the data at display screen directly with Back-fat Measuring Instrument. If measured with ultrasound device, the data should be the distance between skin and the final layer of fat.

Noticing：

• Area error: It will impact the accurate of data far away P2.
• Pressure level: If the probe pressed too tightly, it may cause the back fat layer compressing and reading on the small side.
• Clear maintenance: Wiping the probe after using, and clean the body of device to prevent from pollution.

As the saying goes, “taking less get more”, measuring the back-fat is necessary for pig farmer. Make good use of back-fat data to manage and breeding, can reach to both cost-saving and income-gaining.