Certified Ultrasound

March 5, 2004
Immediate Release
Contact: Michael J. Baker, Sr. Extension Associate
130 Morrison Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853

Certified Ultrasound Technician Available to Beef Producers

Carcass measurements captured through ultrasound have become a significant part of most breed association’s evaluation programs. To be accepted into the official breed evaluation, ultrasound data must be collected by a technician trained and certified by the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) and the Annual Proficiency Testing & Certification Program (APTC). Until recently the closest technician was located in central Virginia, making it difficult for local breeders to obtain this necessary service. Supported by funding obtained by Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffman, Cornell University Department of Animal Science now has a trained, equipped and certified ultrasound Technician.

Heather Birdsall, Sr. Extension Resource Educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Cortland County is now available for the collection of ribeye area, back fat, rump fat and intramuscular fat of beef cattle. To pass her certification exam Birdsall had to collect images that met minimum standards for image quality and data accuracy along with demonstrating her knowledge of ultrasound technology as determined by the UGC.

According to John Crouch, of the American Angus Association, “The inclusion of ultrasound technology in evaluating live animals for carcass merit is a change that is greatly needed. …it will allow our industry to more quickly identify seedstock with the genetic ability to improve carcass characteristics." As the beef industry moves forward in meeting consumer demand for beef that is tender and flavorful, New York beef producers now have access to this cutting edge technology heretofore difficult and expensive to access.

Ultrasound services are available at a fee of $15 per head plus travel. To learn more about how ultrasound can help your beef operation, contact Heather Birdsall at 607-753-5222 or hhb6@cornell.edu.