Animal & Veterinary Science Research Group

SAC runs a CT (computed tomography) scanning service for sheep.  Scanning using CT is a more accurate method for identifying characteristics which cannot be measured by ultrasound and CT scanning allows you, among other things, to better identify the best animals in a flock for breeding.

Background

CT 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.

A modern CT scanning unit and a team of specialist staff are available at SAC Edinburgh for use in a wide range of applications by SAC researchers and external organisations.

Applications

The CT equipment at SAC 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 (see the research note link to the right).

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 also 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.

NOTE: To book a scan, click on the link in the Related Internet Links on the right.

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