
Published on Sept. 5, 2017
Hypor Partners with Biotronics to Improve Accuracy and Safety in Ultrasound Scanning
The new technology is an improvement to the traditional use of real-time ultrasound technology used by genetic companies that can be cumbersome, time consuming, and in some cases, dangerous to both the ultrasound operator and the pig depending on facilities and scanning protocol. By utilizing the new BioQStation™ , Hypor will greatly improve both the speed and safety of pig scanning. For example: the only physical manipulations with the animal will be getting the pig into and out of the crate.
Once the pig is in the crate, a mechanized apron safely lifts the pig off the floor of the crate. When the pig loses all foot traction, it becomes virtually immobilized. At this moment, the operator applies an ultrasonic couplant (i.e. vegetable oil or gel) to the skin of the pig in the region to be scanned, and lowers the transducer fixture—a mechanism holding the ultrasound probe—into position to begin the scanning process. The transducer fixture is suspended by a properly sized counter-balance to ensure that the device is essentially weightless. This also allows the transducer fixture to be moved longitudinally so that the probe can be located precisely over the anatomically correct location for scanning. The cooperation agreement with Biotronics allows Hypor to utilize better ultrasound technology and image analysis tools for significant improvements in body composition and quality measurements to improve genetic progress.