CATDOLL : CATDOLL: How to accurately measure the backfat thickness of sows

The Importance of Backfat Thickness

The backfat thickness of sows is an important indicator of their body fat content and nutritional status. Accurately measuring the backfat thickness can help farmers determine the health status of sows, the effectiveness of feeding plans, and the next management measures.

Tool Preparation

Before measuring the backfat thickness of sows, you need to prepare the following tools:

• Backfat meter: A backfat meter is a tool specifically used to measure the thickness of pig backfat and can be purchased from a breeding supplier or agricultural specialty store.
• Backup measuring tools: Backup tools can be used to calibrate or verify the accuracy of the backfat meter, such as a measuring tape or other relevant measuring instrument.
• Safety equipment: To ensure safety, you should wear gloves, goggles and other safety equipment when using the backfat meter.

Measurement steps

Here are the steps to measure sow backfat thickness:

1. Preparation: Choose an appropriate time, location and environment to measure. It is best to do it within a few hours after the sow has eaten to ensure the accuracy of the measurement results.
2. Secure the sow: Use rails or other securing devices to secure the sow in a stable position to prevent movement.
3. Using a backfat meter: Gently press the probe of the backfat meter to the middle of the sow's back and read the backfat thickness value displayed on the instrument.
4. Measure in multiple locations: To obtain more accurate results, multiple measurements should be taken at different locations on the sow’s back and then the average should be taken.
5. Recording and Analysis: Each measurement is recorded and compared and analyzed with previous measurements to evaluate changes in the sows and the effectiveness of the feeding program.

Precautions

• Be safe: When measuring backfat, always be careful and make sure you use safety equipment correctly.
• Maintain hygiene: The backfat meter should be cleaned in time before and after measurement to prevent cross infection.
• Reasonable interpretation: The reasonable range of back fat thickness varies according to different pig breeds and growth stages, and should be comprehensively analyzed in combination with other indicators and actual conditions.

By accurately measuring the back fat thickness of sows, farmers can better understand the nutritional status and health status of sows and take corresponding management measures in time to improve the production results and economic benefits of the pig herd.

Thank you for reading this article and I hope it provides you with relevant information and help on measuring sow backfat thickness.