Livestock

Live Animal Ultrasound for Body Composition (Carcass) Traits

Measurements of live animal body composition traits using real-time ultrasound (RTU) allows producers to make management and marketing decisions to maximize growth and carcass merit to assure the most optimal harvest time for their animals based on specific carcass traits.  Remote Animal Monitoring Solutions is providing this service to cattle producers to: (1) provide timely, accurate and unbiased measurements of body composition (carcass) traits for improved management decision-making by the producer; (2) to assist breeders in generating data on carcass merit performance for sires within and among breeds (e.g., ultrasound EPDs); and (3) facilitate an overall reduction in the incidence of dark cutters, increase carcass quality grade, and reduce over-fat carcasses to maximize profits through targeted end-points.  In the end, overall profitability is increased by using this type of ultrasound-guided predictions for optimal harvest end-points.  We work closely with our clientele (the livestock producers) to assure appropriate interpretation of the image analysis and findings.

The service to be provided will measure live animal body composition traits using real-time ultrasound (RTU) to determine:

• Percent intramuscular fat (%IMF) of the longissimus
  at the 11th, 12th and 13th ribs

• Rib (back) fat thickness (BF)

• Rump fat (RF)

• Longissimus muscle area (LMA; i.e., ribeye area)

• Gluteus medius (GMD) depth (Optional; not required by breed associations)

Following on-site ultrasound scanning and image acquisition, images are either sent to a certified Lab for interpretation and then sent to the appropriate breed association or, for commercial cattle, can be interpreted on-site for the client/end-user in relation to specific carcass traits.  We provide the appropriate person (owner and/or herd manager) with a detailed report for their records and for comparison to follow-up ultrasound-guided body composition analysis in the future.

Remote Animal Monitoring Solutions’ Ultrasound Service Technician / Consultant
is Dr. Rhonda C. Vann.

Dr. Vann has been involved in the animal and life sciences for 20 years, graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science from Texas A&M and a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University in Animal Physiology.  Following her graduate work, Dr. Vann engaged in two post-doctoral fellowships, one at the Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX) and another with the University of Georgia (Tifton, GA).  Dr. Vann joined the Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station of the Mississippi Agricultural Experiment Station with Mississippi State University in 2001, and is currently certified by the Ultrasound Guidelines Council for performing live animal body composition (carcass evaluations) in beef cattle.

For more information regarding our ultrasound services for live animal body composition in beef cattle please contact us at: info@rams-online.com or contact Dr. Rhonda Vann directly at rvann@rams-online.com or 1-601-201-0863

Please note that at this time due to our licensing and practice of profession agreements we cannot provide ultrasound services to clientele within the State of Mississippi.  However for clientele in neighboring states (AL, LA, GA, TN, AR, TX, etc.) we are able to offer full ultrasound services to meet your needs.

Livestock Thermography

Remote Animal Monitoring Solutions also offers unique renderings of livestock and other species as depicted using infrared thermal imaging technology. If you are interested in seeing livestock from a different perspective, please go to our Thermal Art link. These unique images and prints, many of which are dedicated to livestock, horses and wildlife, have great visual appeal and show animals in their environment in a different light. We encourage you to browse the images in our collection, but also offer custom thermal photography of livestock, pets, etc. and welcome inquiries regarding our thermal imaging services and print sales. Please contact us at info@rams-online.com for more information on our Thermal Art and thermal imaging capabilities.