In vivo estimation of goat carcass composition and body fat partition by real-time ultrasonography

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The accuracy of ultrasound measurements to assess goat carcass composition and the partition of body fat depots was evaluated. An ultrasound machine with a 5-MHz probe and image analysis was used to assess in vivo fat thickness and muscle depth in 56 Spanish Celtiberica adult goats, in lumbar and breast body regions. The goats were slaughtered and the weight of body fat depots recorded. Measurements corresponding to the in vivo ultrasound fat thickness and muscle depth were taken on carcasses. The left sides of carcasses were completely dissected into their components. The best relationships (r = 0.94, P < 0.01) between in vivo and carcass measurements of fat thickness were obtained when measurements were taken at the sternum, and the best anatomical point was located between the third and fourth sternebrae. The best correlation coefficients (r = 0.84) for muscle depth were found for measurements taken between the third and the fourth lumbar vertebrae at 2 cm from the middle of the vertebral column. Body weight and ultrasound measurements were used to fit the best multiple regression equations to predict carcass composition and the partition of body fat depots. All equations, with the exception of those for muscle quantity, omental, and total body fat depot amounts, were computed after performing a logarithmic transformation. Body weight in association with the ultrasound measurement taken at largest LM muscle depth, between the first and second lumbar vertebrae accounted for 90% of the muscle weight. Body weight was the first variable admitted into the prediction models of muscle, mesenteric fat, and total body fat and accounted for 82, 67, and 79% of the variation in tissue weights, respectively. The ultrasound measurement of fat thickness taken at the third sternebra was the first variable admitted into the prediction models for intermuscular fat, kidney and pelvic fat, and total carcass fat and accounted for by 73, 75, 71, and 79% of the variation in the weight of these fat depots, respectively. The ultrasound measurements taken in the breast region, particularly at the third and fourth sternebrae, were the most suitable for assessing fat thickness. The results of this experiment suggest that BW associated with some in vivo ultrasonic fat measurements allow the accurate prediction of goat carcass composition and body fat depots.

Real-time ultrasound (RTU) imaging methods for quality control of meats

“…In recent years, several works have been published that clearly show that the RTU technique allows good estimates of the composition of the carcass to be obtained. These studies aimed to predict carcass composition in adult animals (Hopkins et al ., 2007;Teixeira et al ., 2008), market lambs Leeds et al ., 2008;Orman et al ., 2008;Thériault et al ., 2009;Emenheiser et al ., 2010;Orman et al ., 2010) or light carcasses (Ripoll et al ., 2009). Although the results obtained were generally good, attention must be paid to the factors that lead to inaccuracy in the RTU technique when used for small ruminants.…”

“…(1991): after studying data from seven sheep that had not been shorn, an increase from 0.15 ( P > 0.05) to 0.59 ( P < 0.01) was observed for the correlation between fat thickness measured with ultrasound and fat thickness measured in carcass. The main argument against shearing is the need for the whole ultrasound examination process to be carried out quickly (Hopkins et al ., 1996;Teixeira et al ., 2008). This issue can be of great economic importance when RTU examinations are performed in a large number of animals, as is the case in commercial herds.…”

“…(1996) Toshiba SAL 32B/5 MHz Accuracy of RTU measurements and predicting carcass composition Mesta et al . (2004) Aloka 500, 5 MHz Accuracy of RTU measurements Teixeira et al . (2008) Toshiba SAL 32B/5 MHz Accuracy of RTU measurements and predicting carcass composition Monteiro (2010) Aloka 500, 5 MHz Accuracy of RTU measurements and predicting carcass composition…”

Post-partum reproductive activity and estrus synchronization responsiveness in anglonubian x sprd fed with dried carnauba wax palm fruit (Copernicia prunifera) long term

“…Simultaneously, the subcutaneous sternal adipose tissue (SSCFT) decreased more quickly in the CWP group compared to the WCWP group (P < 0.01, Table 3). The adipose tissue measured ultrasonographically is correlated with total body fat reserves (ALAPATI et al, 2010), and the sternal region is the most reliable location for evaluation in goats (TEIXEIRA et al, 2008).…”

“…During this period, sternal ultrasonography was performed as described by Teixeira et al (2008) with adaptations. Briefly, the transducer was placed perpendicular to the sternum at the third sternebrae to measure sternal subcutaneous fat.…”