The role and power of ultrasound in predicting marbling

Real time ultrasound technology for measurement of marbling in live beef cattle has developed rapidly in the past five to six years. It is well accepted as a measurement tool for genetic evaluation purposes as it offers the real advantages of being non-invasive and therefore able to measure live animals prior to making selection decisions. BREEDPLAN evaluation procedures can calculate reasonably accurate EBVs at the current levels of scanning accuracy by using the individual measures in conjunction with information from pedigree and correlated traits. The value of using real time ultrasound measures of marbling for drafting slaughter stock is not as clear-cut as it is for genetic evaluation purposes. To draft cattle relies on the correlation between the scan and the carcass measure being high enough to warrant the cost of scanning. At the current levels of accuracy the cost effectiveness could be questioned. Scanning for marbling is well established in the beef industry with professional contractors offering a service and a formalized accreditation system for these scanners. The accreditation is driven at this stage by the seedstock recording industry.