Where on the animal is this fat depth measured?

The probe records subcutaneous fat thickness at a standardised location between specific ribs on the carcase.

Does a higher millimetre reading indicate leaner meat?

No, a higher reading indicates thicker subcutaneous fat, which corresponds to a lower lean meat percentage.

Are these probe measurements adjusted for different breeds?

The metric records physical probe depths directly, though grading grids interpret these values according to classification standards.

Great Britain Standard Pig Price average backfat probe

Name: Great Britain Standard Pig Price average backfat probe
Creator: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

Great Britain Standard Pig Price average backfat probe stood at 11.51 mm on Sep 19, 2026, according to Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). It is one of the indicators in the Weekly food and farm prices table (Value · Daily), with a complete series running from Apr 5, 2014 to Sep 19, 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.

Source: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)Last updated: Sep 27, 2026, 22:13 UTCCurated by Bui Thanh Phuc

Loading chart data…

This indicator in the Weekly food and farm prices table

Indicator	19-09-2026	12-09-2026	05-09-2026	29-08-2026	22-08-2026	15-08-2026	08-08-2026	01-08-2026	25-07-2026	18-07-2026
Standard Pig Price, throughput and carcase measures (AHDB)
Average backfat probe	11.51	11.53	11.54	11.36	11.32	11.33	11.17	11.18	11.3	11.33
SPP sampled throughput	51,123	50,565	48,946	50,052	49,370	49,779	49,344	48,769	51,625	50,123

Understanding great Britain Standard Pig Price average backfat probe

Abattoir grading assessments across Great Britain record physical measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness on processed carcases. This indicator quantifies the depth in millimetres registered by automated probes between specific ribs, excluding internal fat deposits and measurements taken outside the standard grading site. It measures carcass lean-to-fat composition, offering a direct reflection of breeding strategies and nutritional management at the farm level.

When evaluating these figures, users must account for gradual structural shifts in herd genetics and grading technology upgrades over time. Seasonal variations are typically modest compared to throughput metrics, but feed availability can influence fat deposition patterns. Comparing probe depths alongside carcase weights provides a complete profile of livestock conformation across participating processors.

Frequently asked questions

Where on the animal is this fat depth measured?: The probe records subcutaneous fat thickness at a standardised location between specific ribs on the carcase.
Does a higher millimetre reading indicate leaner meat?: No, a higher reading indicates thicker subcutaneous fat, which corresponds to a lower lean meat percentage.
Are these probe measurements adjusted for different breeds?: The metric records physical probe depths directly, though grading grids interpret these values according to classification standards.