Body Composition Evaluation

USOFT: An Ultrasound Image Analysis Software for Beef Quality Research

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Abstract

Iowa State University has developed technology for an objective evaluation of beef quality by predicting the percentage of intramuscular fat (IMFAT) in live animals using ultrasound scans. For further research, development, and evaluation of this technology, a personal-computer based image analysis software, named USOFT, has been developed. USOFT is designed to facilitate analysis of images collected from a scan session. It provides a means of creating a hierarchy of IDs to identify each batch, image and file uniquely across many scanning sessions, which is very useful for research and data management purposes. It also allows the user to identify overall image quality and deficiencies, if any. USOFT uses ISU’s model for the IMFAT prediction and also provides the output of texture parameters for statistical analysis and new model development. USOFT has served the ISU ultrasound beef research team very well. It has made data management, analysis and reporting tasks easier and more flexible. The evaluation of the current model for IMFAT prediction has progressed faster with the help of USOFT. It is being continually updated for the needs of the research team and for new model development.

Keywords: ASL R1437

How to Cite:

Amin, V., Wilson, D. & Rouse, G., (1998) “USOFT: An Ultrasound Image Analysis Software for Beef Quality Research”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 1(1).