A comparison of three ultrasonic machines (Scanogram, Danscan and AIDD (NZ)) and visual estimates for predicting carcass composition of live cattle

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Very experienced livestock judges and three ultrasonic machines were compared for accuracy in predicting carcass composition.Sixty-four steers of mixed breed were visually scored for fatness and meat yield by seven judges. Subcutaneous fat depths over the eye muscle at the 13th rib were measured with three different ultrasonic devices prior to slaughter. There was little difference between the ultrasonic machines and the best visual estimates of fatness for predicting weight of commercial trimmed or total dissected fat. Visual estimates of meat yield were not as accurate as the judges' fat scores for predicting carcass composition.Subcutaneous fat depths measured by ultrasonics were shown to be as well related to carcass composition as the best judge's fat scores.