Topigs Norsvin

Abstract Computer-assisted image analysis of testicular ultrasonography (US) can be used to assess testicular structure by objectively quantifying the brightness of pixels from US images [testicular echotexture].

Bacon is a customer favourite in many parts of the world. In many markets, it is produced from pig bellies. Recent developments in the pig sector have been putting increased pressure on pork belly quality. Genetics can contribute to improve pork quality and CT scanning technology helps in selecting the desired characteristics. All over the world, the markets for pork bellies and bacon tend to differ and have different quality demands.

As the pace of genetic improvement increases, breeding robust pigs has become more important than ever before. High performance can easily be disturbed and slight disturbances can lead to a fallback that is tough for animals to compensate. Robustness leads not only to high survival but also to higher uniformity. Genetic progress is greater than ever before. Feed composition has never been more precisely fine-tuned to the needs of the pigs than it is today.