Marbling

[farmer rich]

Aside from carcase grading, is it possible to determine levels of marbling, i.e. in a live animal? Does backfat depth give any indication to the level of marbling an animal has?

 

[MikeC]

Aside from carcase grading, is it possible to determine levels of marbling, i.e. in a live animal? Does backfat depth give any indication to the level of marbling an animal has?

There is not much correlation in marbling and backfat. It is common practice here to have ultrasound performed on cattle as a yearling to determine marbling, backfat, rumpfat and ribeye area. Less backfat, with more marbling, and a large ribeye area is highly sought out by progressive breeders.
According to the technician, it can be very accurate.

 

[Bret]

Aside from carcase grading, is it possible to determine levels of marbling, i.e. in a live animal? Does backfat depth give any indication to the level of marbling an animal has?

There is not much correlation in marbling and backfat. It is common practice here to have ultrasound performed on cattle as a yearling to determine marbling, backfat, rumpfat and ribeye area. Less backfat, with more marbling, and a large ribeye area is highly sought out by progressive breeders.
According to the technician, it can be very accurate.

Mike,
Please talk about the target ribeye area (square inches)and at which rib. I know just enough to show my ignorance if I suggest an idea now.
Thanks,
Bret

 

[MikeC]

Aside from carcase grading, is it possible to determine levels of marbling, i.e. in a live animal? Does backfat depth give any indication to the level of marbling an animal has?

There is not much correlation in marbling and backfat. It is common practice here to have ultrasound performed on cattle as a yearling to determine marbling, backfat, rumpfat and ribeye area. Less backfat, with more marbling, and a large ribeye area is highly sought out by progressive breeders.
According to the technician, it can be very accurate.

Mike,
Please talk about the target ribeye area (square inches)and at which rib. I know just enough to show my ignorance if I suggest an idea now.
Thanks,
Bret

I am not an ultrasound tech (I use Craig Hays @Ultra-Insights) but ribeye area is highly correlated to lbs. of lean beef per carcass. It is measured at the 12-13th rib and my particular minimum target is 15 sq. in. and up simply because I sell breeding bulls that will be breeding cows in the 9-10 sq. in range (just a guess) hoping to get calves with at least a 12-14. For instance my main A.I. sire scanned a 19.5 sq. in. and I have to have that to produce bulls with at least a 15.
There could be many different targets according to breeds and needs. Suggest away! I will gladly accept all suggestions!

 

[Bret]

Thank you Mike.
Bret