What does a swollen hock indicate in market hogs?

A swollen hock in market hogs is indicative of a lack of flexibility, as it often suggests inflammation or injury in the joint area. This condition can be caused by various factors, such as excessive weight-bearing, poor conformation, or inadequate living conditions, which could lead to joint stress and subsequent edema (swelling). When evaluating livestock, it is important to consider joint health, as it directly impacts the animal's mobility and overall performance.

While the other options relate to different aspects of an animal's physical condition or performance, they do not accurately describe what a swollen hock signifies. Flexibility in joints (which would imply health and unrestricted movement) would be counter to the indication of a swollen hock. Excess weight may put stress on joints but does not specifically denote the condition of the hock itself. High muscle density, while potentially beneficial in some contexts, does not pertain to the swelling of joints, which shows that there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that a swollen hock reflects a lack of flexibility linked to joint issues.