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: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.