종돈 개량을 위한 초음파 활용의 현황과 미래 방향

초록

Ultrasound technology has become a fundamental tool in genetic improvement and carcass evaluation of swine, providing non-destructive and real-time measurements of body composition. This review summarizes the historical development, current applications, and future perspectives of A-mode and B-mode ultrasound in pig breeding programs. Early studies demonstrated that A-mode ultrasound enabled simple linear measurements of backfat thickness, whereas B-mode ultrasound provided two-dimensional imaging capable of estimating muscle area and intramuscular fat with greater accuracy. However, discrepancies among devices, operator dependence, and the lack of standardized calibration methods have limited data comparability across breeding organizations. Recent advances in image analysis, mathematical correction models, and digital archiving have improved reproducibility, while the integration of ultrasound phenotypes with genomic selection has enhanced the prediction of carcass merit. Furthermore, standardization initiatives led by the National Swine Improvement Federation (NSIF) and research on device compatibility between A- and B-mode instruments are facilitating data harmonization. Despite these achievements, challenges remain in cross-device calibration and technician training. Future work should focus on developing unified algorithms, expanding big-data repositories, and establishing a global reference framework for ultrasound-based evaluation of swine carcass quality.

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