Prediction of beef carcass composition and tissue distribution using ultrasound scanning

Prediction of retail product weight and percentage using ultrasound and carcass measurements in beef cattle.

Data from 534 steers representing six sire breed groups were used to develop live animal ultrasound prediction equations for weight and percentage of retail product. Steers were ultrasonically measured for 12th-rib fat thickness (UFAT), rump fat thickness (URPFAT), longissimus muscle area (ULMA), and body wall thickness (UBDWALL) within 5 d before slaughter. Carcass measurements included in USD...

Evaluation of Beef Carcass Merit With Ultrasound

Carcass EPDs are becoming common in this era when more economically important traits are being added to national cattle evaluation programs. Traditionally, carcass traits were evaluated solely using progeny tests. One limitation to progeny testing is, of course, cost. Also, for bulls to be evaluated in such a program, he must produce progeny on which carcass data are collected. This is a proces...

Factors Affecting Carcass Composition and Beef Quality

Predicting beef carcass composition using tissue weights of a primal cut assessed by computed tomography.

The potential of the composition of the forerib measured by X-ray computed tomography (CT) as a predictor of carcass composition was evaluated using data recorded on 30 Aberdeen Angus and 43 Limousin crossbred heifers and steers. The left sides of the carcasses were split into 20 cuts, which were CT scanned and fully dissected into fat, muscle and bone. Carcass and forerib tissue weights were a...

Using Live Animal Carcass Ultrasound Information in Beef Cattle Selection

In some instances, value-based marketing systems can be economically advantageous to cattle producers. Monetary rewards are sometimes available for producing a high-quality, consistent end product that meets consumer demands. One tool that can help producers in the efficient and profitable production of beef cattle is live animal carcass ultrasound. This gives cattle producers the ability to ma...