An evaluation of the Scanoprobe for measuring fat depth of beef cattle.

Abstract

Animal Production in Australia Vol. 15 AN EVALUATION OF THE SCANOPROBE FOR MEASURING FAT DEPTH OF BEEF CATTLE W.H. Upton*, D.M. Ryan , B.W. Mansfield** and B. Sundstrom* The degree of fatness mining both the yield estimate fatness rely depth (SFD) and total measured on livestock probe (Ithaca NY) is examines the accuracy fat depth. is a most important characteristic of a beef carcase, deterof retail cuts and consumer acceptance. Many techniques to on the strong positive correlation between subcutaneous fat body fat. As well as visual and tactile methods, SFD can be by ultrasonic techniques (Tulloh et al. 1973). The Scanoa portable battery powered ultrasonic machine. This paper and repeatability of the Scanoprobe to predict subcutaneous SFD was measured on 20 Hereford steers and 30 Angus females. Three experienced operators, using two machines, each measured the 50 cattle on three occasions. Operators followed a standard measurement procedure at the 12/13th ribsite (approximately -66 of the width of the l.dorsi from the mid line). Cattle were slaughtered at a commercial abattoirs and SFD was measured on cold carcases, quartered at the 12/13th rib the following day. Differences between means of Scanoprobe readings and CFD were not significant (P > 0.05). CFD was the only significant terminfluencing Scanoprobereadings (P > 0.01) while liveweight, carcase weight and the curvilinear effect of CFDwere not significant (P > 0.05). Repeatability between operators .was high (t = -95) as was repeatability between repeat measurements (t = -98). Deliveries against Australian trade steer futures contracts or for classification price schedules have a 4-6m1n premium fat band (Horcicka 1981). Scanoprobe means from all operators were sufficiently accurate to select stock for purposes such as these and our results also show that measurements at different times and by different operators can be reliable. The Scanoprobe also has application for teaching visual and tactile assessment skills. These results suggest that the Scanoprobe when correctly used by experienced operators can measure SFD on live cattle in commercial situations. REFERENCES HORCICKA, J.V. (1981). J. Agric. Tasmania. 5&49. TULLOH, N.H., TRUSCOTT, T.G. and LANG, C.P. (1973). Report from the School of Agriculture and Forestry. University of Melbourne. New South Wales Department of Agriculture, *Armidale, **Moree, -f Wagga, NSW 764