Carcass lesions can help tell how the pig was injured. Lesions are both an economic and welfare issue, as they impact the carcass quality and cause pain for the animal. Usually they occur when mixing unfamiliar pigs, often before slaughter. They are assessed using a score based on number, type and distribution. Determining the age of lesions is being investigated. Using a spectrophotometer to assess colour measurements it can be known if lesions are less than 7 hours or more than 25 hours old. This information can be used to see where the problem is arising and how to fix it; whether it is at the plant or during loading or at the original barn. Carcass value can be preserved while having improved animal welfare from this technology.
When Wounds Talk, Researchers Listen (full article)
