Ultrasound FAQs

Ultrasound Facts

• Herds must be enrolled on the Canadian Angus Performance Program (CAPP).

• Cattle are listed by tattoo, scan date, scan weight and management group on the barn worksheet.

• Ultrasound images, chute form and barn worksheet need to be sent to the lab.

• Cattle require a 205 day weight on file at CAA before the ultrasound scan is done.

• Only scan bulls between 320–440 days of age and heifers between 320–460 days of age.

• Weigh cattle the day of the scan prior to any feeding. It is preferable that they be held off feed overnight. The scan weight is used to predict empty body weight.

• Cattle must be clipped to within 1/2 inch in all areas of scanning to improve image quality.

Ultrasound FAQs

Q.  How old must animals be to be scanned?

A.  Bulls: between 320–440 days of age (yearlings); Heifers: between 320–460 days of age (yearlings).

Q.  If I ultrasound a calf whose parents have no carcass EPDs, will they get carcass EPDs on the next sire summary?

A.  It is no different than the rules for the other EPDs. The ultrasounded calf will get an EPD on the next evaluation, provided that it has a 205 day weight recorded, and is not an ET calf or a single. The parents will also get EPDs for REA, %IMF and Fat based on the EPD of their progeny, although the accuracy is lower than if they had their own data. The genetic evaluation uses a full animal model, meaning that all pedigree information is weighted within the calculations.

Q.  What are the benefits of using ultrasound in my herd?

A.  Ultrasound allows you to select for improved carcass traits and better predict the genetic merit of breeding stock.

Q.  What is measured?

A.   Rump fat, Rib fat, Ribeye Area and Intramuscular Fat (%IMF).

Q.  Some of the animals on my ultrasound report are missing actual data. Why?

A.   Some images will not make it through the interpretation process at the Lab for the following reasons:

1)  Missing Image: The technician could have neglected to save an image, the animal could have escaped the chute, or it could be due to equipment difficulties.

2) Image Quality: Each image must have certain landmarks to show that the image has been properly collected. If landmarks are missing or not correctly represented, the image cannot be interpreted. Rejection could be caused by the animal moving and blurring the image, poor contact due to insufficient prepping of the animal, or improper equipment calibration.

3)  Narrow Image: only occurs with %IMF when the loin is not deep enough. The interpreting software has a 4.25 cm box that must fit between the 12th and 13th ribs, between the external fat and the top of the ribs on the image. Narrow images are most common on lighter muscled cattle and heifers. It is recommended that breeders scan heifers closer to the 460 day age window to help avoid rejections.

Q.  Are there any feed requirements for scanned animals?

A.   Marbling differences are difficult to detect in thin animals. Place bulls on a high energy ration (about 3lbs gain/day) after weaning. Use a normal heifer development program, with a moderate to high energy ration.

Q.  How can I be sure that the measurements I receive are accurate?

A.  CAA requires high standards of data collection:

1)      CUP technicians are rigorously trained and tested.

2)      Scanned images are anonymously read and cross checked at the CUP lab.

3)      Clipping small areas of the coat is required in order to improve image accuracy.

Q.  How long after the scan does it take until I see the data?

A.  The National CUP lab guarantees that complete data will be processed in seven business days. In 2007, problem-free files were completed within 48 hours of arrival at the lab.

Q.  How do I get my herd scanned?

A.   Contact a CUP certified technician at least a month in advance of your scan date. If you have not received an ultrasound barn worksheet with your latest 365 day worksheet, contact the CAA before the scheduled scan date. Individual animals not included on the barn worksheet may be written in.

Q.  What does it cost?

A.  Scanning fees are determined by the ultrasound technician—contact them for an estimate. CUP lab costs are US$4 per head, payable to the lab. There is no charge for processing ultrasound data at the Canadian Angus Association.

Q.  Who collects ultrasound data?

A.  Your ultrasound technician must be certified by an industry group called the Ultrasound Guidelines Council and approved by the Canadian Angus Association. A list of approved technicians is available at the CAA website.

Q.  Why do the cattle have to be clipped?

A.  The accuracy of %IMF is greatly improved when the hair is clipped to 1/2 inch in length or less in the scan area.

Q.  Is the scan weight on my barn worksheet recorded as the yearling weight in the CAA office?

A.  No, 365 day weights must be sent to CAA separate from the ultrasound information. If the scan weight is to be used for a 365 day weight the breeder is responsible for submitting the weight as a yearling weight to the CAA. The scan weight will not automatically be used as a 365 day weight.