UNDERSTANDING ULTRASOUND CARCASS DATA FOR MARKET STEERS, MARKET HOGS AND LIVESTOCK ULTRASOUND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)
Animal Science
John Shuffitt
EXTENSION AGENT IV/LIVESTOCK
University of Florida
OCALA
Abstract
Perryman, A.E.1 , Shuffitt,* J.M.2 \r\n\r\n1. Centralized Ultrasound Processing Lab (CUP) certified technician, Marion County, McIntosh,\r\n Florida 32644\r\n2. Extension Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension, Marion County, Ocala, Florida 34470\r\n \r\n Although most 4H and FFA members participating in market steer or hog projects do an exemplary job raising their animals, many do not understand the importance of a high quality carcass or how quality is related to the value of the meat they are producing. Also, most of these participants do not understand ultrasound technology or the process of live carcass evaluation and how this data is used to determine carcass quality. This lack of understanding is evidenced by the number of repetitive questions from participants, their parents and adult leaders during the data collection process. In an effort to provide a basic understanding of carcass quality and value, the following posters were and produced. (1) Livestock Ultrasound FAQ’s (3’ X 3’) answering the following: What is Ultrasound? What is the technician looking for?, etc. (2) The Ideal Steer Carcass (4’ X 6’) delineating the primary cuts of beef, carcass data indicators and definitions, USDA beef quality grades, USDA beef yield grades and calculations for determining carcass value including images and (3) The Ideal Hog Carcass (4’ X 6’) picturing the ideal market hog phenotype, pig carcass data indicators with definitions, USDA grade with calculations, muscle score explanation, primary cuts of the pig carcass as well as carcass weight, belly thickness and percent lean explanations with formulas for calculations including images. Placing these posters in prominent locations at exhibit sites has resulted in a better understanding of carcass evaluation and quality as evidenced by a marked reduction of repetitive questions.
Authors: Shuffitt, J. M.
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Shuffitt, J. M. Extension Agent III/livestock MAG, BS, UF/IFAS Marion County Extension, Florida, 34470