This week we look at a slightly more ‘alternative’ role for ultrasonography within the veterinary species. Instead of using ultrasound waves to take images of the animal in question, ultrasound is used in swine food instead. Confused? Don’t be, just read on and all will become clear! The paper in question is by Saleh MA et al., ‘The ultra-sonication of minerals in swine feed’, Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, August 2015:6(1)32, and you can view the paper in full by clicking here.

In order to better understand this study it is important that ultrasonography here is understood as ‘different’ from the ultrasound-imaging that is normally discussed. The method studied is ‘ultrasound-assisted extraction’ (UAE) utilising a porcine model, and applies a technique called sonication. Sonication is a technique which uses ultrasonic sound to affect the substance in question (Wikipedia), hence demonstrating the link to ultrasonography. This study aims to assess whether UAE is a feasible technique for mineral extraction in animal feed. The resultant mineral levels looked at were calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which were assessed following the sonication process using two different methods. The reasons as to why this extraction is important are discussed in the paper, but include allowing optimal food utilisation by animals.  The requirements for sonication were also evaluated, including the cycle time and sonication power needed and the specific conclusions can be looked at in more detail by reading the paper.

The results retrieved revealed that UAE was a suitable method to assess aspects of veterinary nutrition, particularly when compared to other currently available techniques such as acid mineralization. In addition UAE is considered to be a quicker, more efficient and environmentally-friendly technique for use in such instances. It should be noted however that as with all scientific procedures, there are limitations as to the amount of the mineral extracted that was able to be assessed following the application of UAE.

Whilst this technique is not directly related to ultrasound-imaging, it does come under the ‘ultrasound umbrella’ and once again demonstrates the versatility of ultrasonography within the veterinary world. As always, if you have any ultrasound-related queries, please feel free to contact us.