The UltraFom 300 is a handheld, non-invasive ultrasound probe. It is used to measure fat and muscle thickness in predefined locations on the carcass. Compared to the Fat-O-Meat'er the non-invasive measuring method used by the UltraFom 300 minimises the cross contamination risk and enables measurements on carcasses, where the intestines have not been removed. The system has no moving parts, is extremely durable and requires almost no service and maintenance.

Measuring principle

The ultrasound transmitter consists of 64 sensor elements which send sound pulses into the carcass. When the pulse meets a significant interface between tissue of varying density, e.g. between backfat and muscle, an echo is reflected and captured by the sensors.
The time delay between the pulse and the echo is converted to the actual distance. The ultrasonic signal is digitized, stored and processed by a microprocessor in the hand-held probe. The range of measurement of fat thickness is up to 50 mm when measuring on the rib and up to 80 mm when measuring on the ham. For the loin eye muscle thickness the range of measurement is 30 to 100 mm.

Measuring position

• Between the 3rd and 4th last rib - 7 cm from midline. It can also measure on e.g. hams.

Measurement output

• Backfat thickness and loin muscle thickness in mm.
• Carcass lean meat percentage
• Ham fat thickness

Capacity

• 1.000 carcasses per hour