A comparison of ultrasound backfat measurements on sheep

A.M. Nicol, N.P. Jay and P.R. Beatson

Animal and Veterinary Science Group, Lincoln University, Canterbury

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1988, 48: 33-36

In both experiments, ultrasonic backfat measurements made on the side of the sheep opposite to the location of the operator and the second of 2 measurements had a higher correlation with carcass fat measurement C and were better predictors of percentage carcass fat than measurements taken on either the same side of the sheep as the operator or the first 2 measurements.

We conclude that different ultrasound backfat measurements vary in their value in predicting carcass fatness and individual operators should establish the most appropriate measurement.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Ultrasonic; backfat; sheep; techniques