CT scanning
SRUC can offer CT scanning services using its modern mobile CT scanner and specialist team.
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CT (computer tomography) is a medical imaging technique which produces images of body cross-sections, using low dose X-rays, without harming the animal. The detailed images produced allow very accurate estimation of body composition and tissue distribution.
The Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group provides CT scanning services to livestock breeders, to other research organisations and for veterinary diagnosis. A modern CT scanning unit and a team of specialist staff are available in Edinburgh and at other locations across the UK with a mobile service, for use in a wide range of applications by researchers and external organisations.
We run a CT scanning service for sheep. Scanning using CT is a more accurate method for identifying characteristics which cannot be measured by ultrasound and allows you, among other things, to better identify the best animals in a flock for breeding.
A modern CT scanning unit and a team of specialist staff are available in Edinburgh and at other locations across the UK with a mobile service, for use in a wide range of applications by researchers and external organisations
Uses of CT Equipment
Our CT equipment has been put to a diverse range of uses. It has been used most intensively to predict carcass tissue yields in sheep to accelerate improvements in carcass quality.
This service has been used both by members of sire referencing schemes and by other elite sheep producers operating under Signet who require a better estimate of carcass composition than provided by conventional ultrasound.
The scanner has been used for a range of studies on agricultural and zoo species and for studies on wood structure and strength. It has also been successful in aiding the diagnoses of ailments in companion animals when conventional veterinary techniques have provided equivocal conclusions.
Benefits of CT Scanning (Sheep)
CT scanning allows you to more accurately identify the best animals in a flock for breeding. It assists delivery of rams to the commercial sector that will make a real difference to product quality and profitability.
Used in partnership with ultrasound scanning, in a 2-stage selection program, CT offers the opportunity to accelerate the rates of response to selection, for improved carcass quality, in a cost effective way.
Example: Charollais tup Logie Durno Earl of Dunbar (bred by W & C Ingram) - CT scanning of the whole body found this tup to be in the top 5% of the breed for total lean meat yield. This position had not been possible with on-farm ultrasound scan results taken from the loin only.
CT can provide additional information on characteristics that cannot be measured by ultrasound e.g. muscle shape, muscularity, muscle volume, bone density, internal fat, pelvic dimensions. CT scanning can benefit your breed, improve your product quality and ultimately increase your profits - all vital to ensure business success post CAP reforms.
Your CT scan results predict:
- carcass tissue weights and %
- killing out %
- muscle to bone ratio
- muscle to fat ratio
- gigot shape and eye muscle area
These data are sent to you for each individual animal along with their CT images. The results are also included in the Signet Sheepbreeder calculations of estimated breeding values (EBVs).
CT scanning dates 2025
Please contact Kirsty or John on 01315353251 or 01315353250
