AVALIAÇÃO COMPARATIVA DA METODOLOGIA DE DETERMINAÇÃO DA ÁREA DE OLHO DE LOMBO EM SUÍNOS (Sus domesticus)

In studies involving the carcass characteristics conducted at the Department of Animal Science of the Federal University of Piaui, the linear measurements of rib eye area (REA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) have been carried out by the plastic grid method, in which readings are made by counting in cm². In order to test this widely used approach, this study aimed at conducting a comparison among three other more or less precise procedures in order to verify the traditional method accuracy. To estimate the effect of both genetic patterns and the four determination methods (Feedback, AutoCAD, Planimeter, and Weighing) on REA and SFA, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in 2 x 4 factorial arrangement. There was no difference among the four methodologies and the feedback method shows easier implementation, more practicality and reliability to be used in researches. KEYWORDS: Measurement; rib eye area; subcutaneous fat.