L2M – Portable Ultrasound AI for On-Farm Beef Carcass Grading

We’re developing a user-friendly, portable ultrasound system with built-in artificial intelligence to measure important beef carcass qualities like marbling, backfat, and ribeye area directly on the farm, in real time.

This system includes a handheld scanner that connects to a small device. The device instantly analyzes the ultrasound images and shows straightforward results on a screen. This setup means that farm staff can get the information they need without needing a specialist to interpret the scans.

This technology helps both producers and our partner organization make quicker, smarter choices concerning feeding strategies, marketing approaches, and genetic selections well before the animals are sent for processing. We expect this system to bring several advantages: reduced costs for scanning, less interruption to daily farm activities, and more consistent, unbiased results across different locations and users.

By bringing accurate grading into the earlier stages of beef production, this project aims to increase profitability, cut down on waste, and promote herd management practices driven by data for our partner’s network of feedlots and processors. It will allow them to identify superior animals earlier, adjust feeding to improve marbling, and make better breeding decisions. This results in higher quality beef, less waste, and increased profitability. The instant analysis and automated reporting the system brings removes much of the subjectivity from carcass grading, ensuring consistent standards and facilitating fair transactions between producers and processors. The system allows for real-time data sharing. This promotes greater collaboration and transparency across the entire beef production chain.

Faculty Supervisor:

Amin Komeili

Student:

Partner:

Edmonton Unlimited

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

University of Calgary

Program: