Research and Development

Researchers at Biotronics have a twenty-five year history in the development of ultrasound technology to support the genetic improvement of food animals.  The research base continues to grow as ultrasound technology and image analysis tools allow for significant improvement in body composition and quality measurements.  Specific research emphasis is on the measurement of intramuscular fat (IMF) in high value cuts of meat for both swine and beef.

Hanwoo Cattle IMF Prediction Model
Biotronics is collaborating with the Moksan Hanwoo Research Center and Hanwoo Improvement Center of S. Korea to develop an IMF prediction model that is specific for the Hanwoo breed of cattle.  Hanwoo cattle are indegenious to Korea, and are valued for their ability to deposit high amounts of marbling in the longissimus dorsi (ld) muscle.  Some of these cattle have in excess of 25 percent fat in the ld muscle.  This project was initiated in 2008 and will conclude in 2010.

Online Pork Carcass Evaluation
In 2006, Biotronics initiated a series of research projects aimed at improving the ability of using real-time ultrasound images captured from live swine to predict percentage IMF (marbling) in the loin muscle.  This research has led to the BioSoft Toolbox® II for Swine software.  Also, as a part of these projects, Biotronics is developing the first commercial prototype system that can be used to scan hot carcasses in pork packing plants to provide an accurate measurement of IMF in the loin muscle along with carcass percent lean at line speeds of 1,200 carcasses  per hour.  This technology will be commercially available in the Fall of 2009.   
DOWNLOAD Brochure

This product is based upon research supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2007-33610-18441.