Comparison of carcass composition, performance, and tissue deposition rates among breeds of swine

Abstract

<p>A study was conducted to evaluate differences in performance, carcass traits, and tissue deposition rates among breeds of swine entered in the 2003 National Barrow Show Progeny Test. The test consisted of 362 barrow and gilt progeny from sires within each of the 8 breeds evaluated. Breeds tested were Berkshire (n = 158), Duroc (n = 76), Chester White (n = 53), Yorkshire (n= 31), Spotted (n = 15), Landrace (n = 15), Poland (n = 8), and Hampshire (n = 6). Due to small sample size, the Spotted, Landrace, Poland, and Hampshire breeds were combined in an All Other Breeds (AOB) category. Progeny were weighed and scanned beginning at a group mean body weight of approximately 64 kg., while off-test measurements were taken at approximately 109 kg. Deposition rates were estimated for 10th rib loin muscle area, 10th rib off-midline backfat, and intramuscular fat percentage of the longissimus dorsi.</p>