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Description
In the fall of 1997 the American Angus Association and Iowa State University embarked on a research project that would forever change the beef industry. This pilot program involved the central processing of carcass ultrasound images for genetic evaluation. In the past, real-time ultrasound had been statistically proven to accurately measure body composition traits in live cattle. This technology enabled more cattle to be measured for carcass traits while at the same time being more cost effective and timely. Even though considerable effort had been expended in developing a technician certification process, tremendous variation existed and exists today in technician proficiencies and in equipment and software technologies. The CUP Lab at Iowa State University was formed to remove this variation. The program was designed to organize the collection and processing of the information to allow for the highest standards of integrity and accuracy.