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A note on allometric relationships in large white × landrace pigs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. Carol Petherick
J. Carol Petherick
Affiliation:
The Scottish Farm Buildings Investigation Unit, Craibstone, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9TR
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Abstract

Linear measurements of six body dimensions were taken of Large White × Landrace pigs in the live-weight range of 1 kg to 286 kg. Logarithmic regression lines were fitted to the live-weight and measurement data. It was found that the body dimensions could be expressed as a function of live weight and that these equations agreed well with the simple allometric equation L = kW1/3, where linear dimension, W= live weight and k= an appropriate coefficient. It is suggested that these equations may provide a method of estimating the static space occupied by a pig and thus provide a basis for the development of space allocation recommendations in pig housing. It is also suggested that these principles may be applicable to other livestock.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 36 , Issue 3 , June 1983 , pp. 497 - 500
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1983

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References

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