Bilateral symmetry of pig muscle weights

Abstract

The weights of six individual muscles and total muscle from both sides of the commercial carcase were examined in female and castrate male pigs slaughtered at 32, 45, and 59 kg. No significant effects of side, side by sex interactions, or side by slaughterweight interactions on muscle weights were found. The results are discussed in relation to previous work and it is suggested that carcase muscle studies can be restricted to dissection of only one side.