
Article 1 
The use of the apparatus termed ‘Intrascope (Optical Probe)’ and assessment methods related thereto, details of which are given in the Annex, is hereby authorised for grading pig carcases pursuant to Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84 in Latvia.
Article 2 
Notwithstanding the standard presentation referred to in Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3220/84, pig carcases may be presented in Latvia without the head, the hind feet and the tail before being weighed and graded. In order to establish quotations for pig carcases on a comparable basis, the recorded hot weight shall be increased by:

— 7,61 % for the missing head
— 1,61 % for the missing hind feet
— 0,11 % for the missing tail.
Article 3 
Modifications of the apparatus or the assessment method shall not be authorised.
Article 4 
This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Latvia.
Done at Brussels, 12 April 2005.
For the Commission
Mariann FISCHER BOEL
Member of the Commission
ANNEX
METHODS FOR GRADING PIG CARCASES IN LATVIA  1. Grading of pig carcases shall be carried out by means of the apparatus termed ‘Intrascope (Optical Probe)’.
 2. The apparatus shall be equipped with a hexagonal-shaped probe of a maximum width of 12 millimetres (and of 19 millimetres at the blade at the top of the probe) containing a viewing window and a light source, a sliding barrel calibrated in millimetres, and having an operating distance of between 3 and 45 millimetres.
 3. 
 = 65,073 – 0,686X

Where:

the estimated percentage of lean meat in the carcase,xthe thickness of back-fat (including rind) in millimetres, measured at 6 centimetres off the midline of the carcase at the last rib.

The formula shall be valid for carcases weighing between 55 and 120 kilograms.
