The Ability of Measures of Carcass Composition to Predict Empty Body Protein and Lipid Composition

Purdue University 2000 Swine Research Report. Pork carcass and empty body composition research has been conducted to evaluate effects of experimental treatment, to model pig growth, and to evaluate pork production systems. Scientists with an interest in modeling pig growth and predicting nutrient requirements require accurate esimates of empty body chemical composition. Empty body protein and lipid mass are expensive and difficult to obtain. Actual or predicted measures of fat-free lean are more easily obtained. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reliability of predictive measures of carcass composition and to develop a further understanding of the interrelationships among various pork carcass and empty body composition endpoints.