Comparison of Four Ultrasonic Techniques for In Vivo Estimation of Sheep Carcass Composition

Abstract

1. There are many ultrasonic machines using a range of techniques varying in sophistication to measure fat and muscle depths for predicting carcass composition. An evaluation of four techniques was conducted by the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) to enable potential users to select the most appropriate technique based on accuracy, practicality and cost.2. A total of 150 commercial sheep comprising approximately equal numbers of castrates and ewes were evaluated in five batches of about equal size in lairage at one of two abattoirs. Live weight was recorded together with fat and muscle measurements from the Aloka, Dynamic Imaging, Dumatic and Velocity of Sound (VOS) ultrasonic techniques.3. The Aloka is a B-Mode real-time medical scanner which is currently used on cattle in Australia. The Dynamic Imaging is also a B-Mode real-time medical scanner which is currently used in MLC's Sheepbreeder Service.