Detection of abnormal bone structure in animals and carcasses with ultrasound

摘要

Method and apparatus for determining a condemnation condition in a post mortem animal intended for human consumption is taught hereinabove. The apparatus includes an ultrasound machine, including a probe, wherein the probe is positioned on the animal such that a cross-sectional image of the portion of the animal to be examined is shown. An image analyzer determines and identifies a pattern of anatomically distinct tissue and bone outline of the animal shown on the image. Pattern recognition equipment compares the pattern of tissue and bone outline with a norm reference for a healthy animal and at least one known deformation pattern for tissue of animals requiring condemnation. If a greater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern is shown then, means for indicating a condemnation condition for the animal are activated. Also taught hereinabove, is a method of developing further tests for determining a condemnation condition in an animal.