2.3. Carcass analysis
Backfat thickness was measured at 6 cm from the edge
of the split back at the 13th and 14th ribs using a probe
(Hennessy grading probe; Hennessy and Chong, Auckland,
New Zealand). The leanmeat contentwas estimated according
to the following formula (Department of Agriculture and Food,
1994): Estimate lean meat content (g/kg)=543.1−7.86x+
2.66y, where x is fat depth (mm) and y is muscle depth (mm).
Further carcass data was determined by application of the
following equations: Carcass weight (kg)=Hot carcass
weight×0.98 and Kill-out proportion (%)=(Carcass weight/
BW)×100.
After slaughter, the 3rd and 4th metacarpals were
removed fromthe two front feet of the 48 pigs for assessment
of bone ash, bone P and bone Ca levels and bone density. All
metacarpals collected were individually stored at −20 °C to
prevent desiccation until required for analysis