19 June 2013

1 minute read

Europe

Signet Breeding Services, which is part of EBLEX, has produced a booklet called Ultrasound Scanning Beef Cattle, highlighting how it can help producers better assess the carcase quality of their cattle by measuring muscle and fat depth in the live animal. This information is subsequently used to identify better breeding lines.

Major improvements in carcase quality have been seen since the introduction of ultrasound scanning in the UK in 1987. Research has also indicated that selective breeding for muscle depth across the loin can greatly enhance total muscle yield.

Shane Conway, Signet breeding specialist, said: “Ultrasound scanning enables accurate measurements to be taken of muscling across the loin. Ultimately, to improve carcase conformation, you need to measure it and that information can have an impact on the producer’s bottom line. Our new booklet explains the benefits of ultrasound scanning, the procedure involved, answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the service and the contact details of our ultrasound technicians.”