Measurement of subcutaneous backfat depth in live lambs with an ultrasonic probe

Abstract

Abstract Thickness of subcutaneous backfat in live, unshorn lambs was measured to the nearest 0.5 mm with a new ultrasonic instrument. Correlation coefficients of up to 0.91 were found between ultrasonic measurements over M. longissimus at the last rib and the corresponding carcass fat depths, and of 0.76 between ultrasonic measurements and total carcass fat percent. Sources of error, such as changes in fat depth during slaughtering and in measuring the carcass, were found.