ULTRASOUND IMAGING
Forest Lake Farms has the highest-graded cattle in the 7 Western states.
The two general options for measuring Tenderness today are Warner-Bratzler Shear Force test and DNA/Genetic testing. We are using a new, third method: Ultrasound Imaging. This new ultrasound technology enables a more detailed image, which equates to more information. We’re opening the door for using advanced computer vision, machine learning & AI to automate the grading process in real-time.
We start scanning our cows six months after birth. The Intramuscular Fat/IMF is predisposed in utero and we can help add to this throughout the cows life through feed efficiency, environment, and handling to improve the animals Predicted Tenderness Score. Because IMF is predisposed, we use our ultrasound imaging to make sure we’re breeding and raising only the highest quality cows for Forest Lake Farms.
Knowing the marbling and Predicted Tenderness score gives both Forest Lake Farms and the consumer insight into the quality of meat and subsequent eating experience.
Traditional Ultrasound
This image is the industry standard for beef that go through ultrasound scanning. Typically a cow is only scanned once, just prior to slaughter. As you can see, it is near impossible to see the muscle structure given the graininess of the image.
Our Ultrasound
This image shows the same cow, scanned at the same time, but using our high resolution dual axis ultrasound. Thanks to the quality of the imaging, we can look at Intramuscular Fat Content and actual muscle structure that contributes to tenderness. From the image we can see and measure multiple animal traits including the Intramuscular Fat/IMF (ie marbling) and muscle structure, so we can give the animal a Predicted Tenderness score.
Carcass quality is only one piece of what we do. For our customers, quality is #1. But for us as farmers, we also focus on longevity and sustainability.
Want more information?
For further details on our proprietary ultrasound technology please reach out to Russ Angold.