Who Knew Ultrasound Could Help Identify Beef Cattle Carcass Characteristics?

Jan 02, 2013

Conducting Ultrasounds Can Help Beef Farmers Maximize Carcass Profitability

Research can play a pivotal role in identifying tools that can help beef farmers make better marketing decisions. One research project that was funded by the Agriculture Adaptation Council (ACC) found a way for beef cattle farmers to determine what the perfect carcass would be for the consumer.

One of the tools that are now at beef ranchers disposal is ultrasound equipment coupled with a computer model that can assist in helping the farmer manage beef carcass prediction.

Beef carcass prediction can help farmers make more informed choices about feed utilization and inventories, which can ultimately save the farmer money.

You’re probably wondering how an ultrasound could be used to identify cattle carcass characteristics? The ultrasound equipment is used and is attached to a computer model and it’s the computer model that helps identify what the optimal day is to sell the animal on the market. The model predictions are often tailored to each individual farmer, depending on which market they are selling into.

Utilizing ultrasound equipment is a very cost effective tool that can be used by pretty much any beef farmer. More information can be found at http://www.biobeef.com/

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.