Beef cattle ultrasound measurements

Benefits for the entire beef sector: purebred and commercial producers, slaughterhouses, and consumers.

In animal production, the use of ultrasound technology allows an objective and non-invasive measurement of carcass characteristics on a living animal.

In beef cattle, ultrasound images can provide valuable information to producers by measuring loin eye area, back fat thickness, intramuscular fat percentage and rump fat thickness.

Fat thickness and loin eye area measurements can be used to better monitor a carcass' lean meat yield. Measurements are also used to calculate genetic values ​​such as Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Since body composition characteristics are highly inheritable, selecting replacement bulls and females based on these traits will result in considerable genetic progress.

In Quebec, ultrasound measurements are carried out on bulls in in-station evaluation centers and also on purebred males and females beef cattle at breeders farms. They are used as selection tools and collected informations is useful for the entire beef sector. This tool supports purebred breeders in achieving their goals for carcass quality genetic improvements, such as lean meat yield or marbling. It also allows breeders to benefit from objective data to support the bull's marketing.

As a result, ultrasound measurements make it possible to support the cow-calf producer with his breeding animals' selection and purchase, to produce feeder calves with better meat yield. Thus, by generating calves with added value for feedlots, producers will obtain better performing animals, more attractive for slaughterhouses. In the end, consumers also benefit from high quality meat taste and marbling.