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Using live estimates and ultrasound measurements to predict beef carcass cutability
S G May1, W L Mies, J W Edwards
1Department of Animal Science, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-2471, USA.
Journal of Animal Science
|June 2, 2000
Summary
Live ultrasound and live estimates effectively predict carcass composition in cattle, offering viable options for pre-slaughter assessment of meat yield and quality.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Meat Science
- Agricultural Engineering
Background:
- Accurate prediction of carcass composition is crucial for the beef industry.
- Live evaluation and ultrasound technologies are increasingly used to estimate carcass traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of live animal assessment and real-time ultrasound in predicting carcass composition.
- To compare the accuracy of different methods for estimating fat thickness, muscle area, and yield.
Main Methods:
- Commercial steers and heifers were assessed for frame size, muscle score, and fat thickness.
- Live and carcass ultrasound measurements of 12th-rib fat thickness and longissimus muscle area were taken.
- Carcass fabrication and yield data were collected after slaughter.
Main Results:
- Live ultrasound (r = .81) and carcass ultrasound (r = .73) showed strong correlations with actual 12th-rib fat thickness.
- Live evaluation (r = .71) provided a better estimate of longissimus muscle area than ultrasound measures.
- Live ultrasound regression models explained 57% of the variation in boneless subprimal yield.
Conclusions:
- Live ultrasound and live estimates are reliable tools for predicting carcass composition in beef cattle.
- These methods can aid in making informed decisions regarding marketing and management prior to slaughter.