Previous articles have discussed the roles ultrasound can play, both within and out with the veterinary field. The use of ultrasound in disease diagnosis has also been briefly mentioned. For example, ultrasound has been reported to be used in the diagnosis of multiple human diseases and conditions, including kidney disease, carotid artery disease and a variety of thyroid conditions. Here, ultrasound images are able to detect any abnormal organ shapes or sizes, and can also detect the presence of any unwanted blockages or fluid build ups. One of the main benefits of using ultrasound is the non-invasive nature of this type of testing. Furthermore, veterinary ultrasound can also be used to detect similar conditions, some of which have been mentioned in other articles featured on the website.

Interestingly, veterinary ultrasound can also be used as a way in which to scan for meat quality, which may be of particular interest to farmers. With respect to sheep, the Signet scanning method scans lambs at 21 weeks of age, and the muscle and fat depth is measured. It should be noted that it is recommended that 4 measurements are taken overall and at certain areas around the body. More information can be found under the ‘Meat Quality’ section of our website.

These measurements are then pooled with a live weight measurement and the lamb is given an individual ‘Estimated Breeding Value Score’, allowing sheep with excellent breeding potential to be identified. Additionally, in cattle, those animals with greater loins and low levels of carcase fat are preferred for breeding.

The seemingly unlimited uses of ultrasound imaging can therefore be described as having a place not only within the health industry, but also within the food and breeding industry. It would thus be interesting to explore other novel areas in which ultrasound scanning is routinely used, particularly within the veterinary species. Veterinary ultrasound is already firmly established as a fundamental tool for breeders and vets alike during pregnancy. It is thus not unreasonable to assume that in the future, ultrasound scanning becomes a commonplace event in meat grading, revealing yet another application for ultrasonography.