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A note on the ability of three portable ultrasonic probes to predict backfat thickness in cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

C. S. Eveleigh ,
C. J. Thwaites ,
P. B. Hassab ,
D. G. Paton ,
R. J. Smith  and
W. H. Upton
C. S. Eveleigh
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
C. J. Thwaites
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
P. B. Hassab
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, NSW, Australia
D. G. Paton
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, NSW, Australia
R. J. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, NSW, Australia
W. H. Upton
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, NSW, Australia
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Abstract

Three portable ultrasonic probes (Scanoprobe, Meritronics and Krautkramer), each used by the one experienced operator, were found to be superior to the visual and tactile assessments of two experienced judges in predicting carcass backfat depth (range 4 to 20 mm) in 132 live steers. Residual standard deviations for the three probe/operator combinations were 2·01, 2·16 and 2·77 mm respectively; those for the judges were 2·96 and 3·09 mm. Combining ultrasonic estimates by multiple regression improved slightly the accuracy of prediction (residual s.d. = 1·87 mm), the level of which was comparable to that previously reported for scanning ultrasonic instruments used on pigs.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 41 , Issue 2 , October 1985 , pp. 247 - 248
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1985

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References

REFERENCES

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