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Real-time Ultrasound scanning
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By: JODY YOUNG, LRF technical assistant
What is RTU Scanning?
The need for accurate, objective, and reproducible
measurements of body composition has long been of interest
in livestock production. RTU scanning is a non-invasive and
portable technology used to measure body composition in
various anatomical locations, which cannot otherwise be seen
with the naked eye in a live animal. Furthermore, RTU
scanning provides an indication of carcass traits without
having to wait for the entire lifespan of the animal. The
eye-muscle area (EMA) provides an indication of overall
muscling, which is an important economic factor in beef
production, while the other three traits recorded using RTU
scanning
indicate fat
deposition in the live animal, which is related to fat
coverage and maturity.
Why is RTU Scanning Valuable?
There is a
strong correlation between carcass data and RTU scanning
data,
meaning that the traits recorded using RTU scanning in the
live animal indicate carcass traits. The heritability of
traits recorded using RTU scanning is moderate to high,
which suggests that
genetic progress in these traits may be possible through
selection.
This data must be recorded for EBVs to be calculated for
traits recorded using RTU scanning. This will aid the
breeder in selecting animals based on the desired level of
estimated genetic potential for each respective trait.
Animals being scanned should be between 300 to 800 days of
age, and it is advised that all animals are in good
condition to detect variation in measurements between
animals. Both bulls and heifers can be scanned, provided
there is a minimum of 10 animals per farm. Similar to the
recording of any other trait, animals should be scanned
within their contemporary groups.
The LRF aims to coordinate routine scanning schedules across
the country to facilitate measurements of as many herds in a
given area as possible. Breeders are encouraged to
participate in this program and to establish interest among
neighbours and colleagues in their areas.
LRF Scanning Services
The Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) offers RTU
Scanning Services for breeders and feed efficiency test
stations. These services are offered across South Africa
(occasionally in Zimbabwe & potentially in Botswana) and are
provided by a BREEDPLAN-accredited technician. To utilise
the LRF Scanning Services, the breeder or test station can
simply book by completing a booking form and sending it to
the LRF Office. The booking form and protocol are available
on the LRF website
www.lrf.co.za/lrf-ts/#rtuscanning-services
For information and bookings regarding the LRF Scanning
Services, please contact Izaan du Plooy via office@lrf.co.za
or +27 81 844 4853.
For more information on BREEDPLAN Carcass EBVs and scan
data, visit the BREEDPLAN Help Centre
www.breedplan.une.edu.au/help-centre. |
