Carcass Studies on Hogs of Different Breeding

The carcasses of 136 hogs were studied to determine differences due to breeding. The study included inbred lines, two-line crosses, three-line crosses, and outbreds, all Duroc; crossbreds; and an inbred line of Landrace-Poland. Carcass measurements and evaluations included specific gravity, carcass length, back fat measurements, loin lean area, ham lean area, and percentage of four primal cuts. Differences due to breeding were found for all measurements except percentage of belly. Landrace-Poland carcasses, though somewhat soft, were longer, leaner, and considerably higher in percentages of three lean cuts. The crossbred carcasses were, in the opinion of the workers, the most desirable carcasses in the study. The quality was good and the carcasses were longer, leaner, and higher in percentage of ham and loin than those of any other breeding except the Landrace-Poland line. Few statistically significant differences between the breeding groups representing the Duroc breed were found. Trends, however, were noted, and it is believed that certain lines are partially characterized as a result of this study. If inbred lines being developed at the present time can be characterized as to carcass qualities, it should be possible to select lines for crossing that would yield the kind of carcasses desired.