356: The role of CT scanning when making breeding decisions

In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, our Signet Breeding Manager at AHDB, Samuel Boon, talks through the role of CT scanning when making breeding decisions, whilst Signet consultant Laura Eyles speaks to Kirsty McClean and John Gordon from SRUC to find out the how and the why.

Using Computed Tomography (CT) scanning is a great tool for identifying superior genetics within terminal sire flocks by measuring fat, muscle and bone in the live animal. This near perfect predictor of carcase composition can also be used to measure the muscling in different parts of the carcase, such as the rib, loin and gigot.

For many years, ultrasound scanning of lambs provided our only way of assessing the carcass attributes of live sheep. Whilst ultrasound scanning still provides the backbone of our service, levy-funded research and investment in late 1990s led to the introduction of world leading CT scanning technology, allowing us to take the assessment of elite ram lambs to a whole new level. 

Additional information

Signet Breeding CT scanning information https://signetdata.com/technical/sheep-recording/computed-tomography/ 

SRUC CT scanning service https://www.sruc.ac.uk/research/research-facilities/beef-sheep-research-facility/beef-sheep-research-facilities/ct-scanning/