Department of Animal Science
Date of this Version
December 2001
Abstract
Today, real-time ultrasound (RTU) can be used to gather live cattle data that subsequently can be used for the genetic prediction of carcass cutability and meat quality traits. Initially, identification of sires that were superior for carcass merit could only be accomplished through progeny testing, an expensive, slow and logistically complicated process. Today, breed associations use RTU data solely or in combination with actual carcass data for computation of carcass EPD. While much research should be done to improve the accuracy and cost of the technology, RTU provides a valuable tool for genetic selection of carcass merit.
Comments
Published for Proceedings, The Range Beef Cow Symposium XVII December 11, 12, and 13, 2001 - Casper, Wyoming.