RELATIONSHIP OF CARCASS RETAIL PRODUCT WITH REAL-TIME ULTRASOUND MEASURES OF CALVES ENTERING THE FEEDLOT

摘要

Real-time ultrasound has potential in predicting the carcass retail product of feedlot cattle in a late-stage of finish, but it could also have potential use as a management tool for calves entering the feedlot. A study was conducted to determine if relationships can be detected between carcass retail product and ultrasound and body weight measures taken at entrance in the feedlot. Two pens of Santa Cruz steers and one pen of Santa Gertrudis were weighed and ultrasonically scanned on the eighth day after being placed in the feedyard. Carcass data were used to estimate percent and pounds of retail product. Percent retail product was correlated with ultrasound measures of ribeye area (UREA), backfat thickness (UBFT), and rump fat thickness (URFT). Pounds of retail product was correlated with UREA, URF, and body weight (BW). A multiple regression showed relationships between percent and pounds of retail product and UREA, URFT, and BW, but the associations were low. Results of the study indicate a potential for using ultrasound measurements of stocker and feeder calves to determine carcass yield potential, but more data and information are needed to improve accuracy.