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Timely Topic
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Using Ultrasonic Backfat, Ribeye and Other Measurements to Predict Carcass Composition of Young Bulls
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Recent genetic evaluations have tended to use ultrasound measurements on young seedstock cattle—primarily yearling bulls—rather than carcass measurements from commercial progeny. However, some have questioned the validity of using ultrasound data in seedstock selection programs. In this Univ. of Guelph study, preslaughter ultrasound and carcass dissection data from 47 crossbred yearling bulls were used to evaluate the following: 1) the value of six previously published equations based on live animal measurements; 2) the value of alternative preslaughter ultrasound measurements; and 3) the value of a short probe (127 mm) vs. a long probe (172 mm) to predict carcass lean meat yield. Following is a brief summary of results.
- Prediction equations based on live animal measurements may provide more precise predictions of lean meat yield than equations derived from carcass measurements.
- Supplementing ultrasonic backfat and ribeye muscle measurements with additional ultrasound measurements did not improve the accuracy or precision of lean meat yield prediction.
- Lean meat yield of yearling bulls can be accurately predicted using backfat and ribeye muscle depth measurements with a short probe.
Of particular interest is the finding that the short probe may be as accurate as the long probe. The authors concluded that this approach could significantly reduce the cost of collecting estimates of carcass composition in live seedstock without sacrificing accuracy or precision (Bergen et al. 2005. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 85:23).[July 26th, 2005]
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Dr. Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science
Animal Science, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
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