Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

When using ultrasound to evaluate breeding swine, the two measurements taken are backfat thickness and what else?

1. Loin-eye area

2. Weight

3. Length

4. Height

The correct answer is: Loin-eye area

In the evaluation of breeding swine using ultrasound, backfat thickness is measured alongside the loin-eye area. The loin-eye area is an important indicator of the quality and yield of meat from the pig. It reflects the amount of muscle that is present in the animal, which is crucial for determining its overall profitability in a meat production context. Measuring these two characteristics gives producers valuable insights into the animal's potential for growth and marketability. A greater loin-eye area typically suggests that the animal has better muscle development, which is desirable in breeding stock for commercial production. The other measurements mentioned—weight, length, and height—are not typically paired with backfat thickness in this specific context. While they are important traits in their own right, they do not provide the same direct correlation to meat quality and composition as backfat thickness and loin-eye area do.