Some Lumbar Lean Measures as Related to Swine Carcass Cut-Outs and Loin Eye Area

Results of this study involving 292 swine carcasses indicate that depth of lumbar lean can be used as an indicator of loin eye area. However, the ratio of depth of lumbar lean plus fat to depth of lumbar lean was equally as reliable an indicator of loin eye area and had the added advantage of being a good indicator of carcass cut-outs. Although the various lumbar lean measurements can be used in carcass grading, their use appeared to have little advantage over the use of backfat alone.