Ultrasound & EPDs
What It Is, Why It Matters, and How We Make It Simple
What is Ultrasound Testing
Ultrasound is a quick, non-invasive way to measure what's going on inside a live animal — all while she’s standing safely in the chute. Using portable equipment, we scan for traits like:
Ribeye area (muscle size = more beef)
Back fat thickness (lean but not too lean)
Marbling (the good stuff that makes steaks taste amazing)
We collect this info in real-time, right on your ranch. It’s fast, low-stress, and incredibly valuable.
So What Are EPDs, Anyway?
EPD stands for Expected Progeny Difference — which sounds complicated, but here’s the short version:
It’s a prediction of how a bull or cow’s calves will perform compared to others in the breed.
An EPD can tell you things like:
How big the calves might be at weaning
How much marbling they’ll have
How likely a heifer’s daughters are to stay productive
Even how docile (or not) their calves might be
Breed associations (like the American Angus Association) calculate EPDs using data from ultrasound scans, pedigrees, performance records, and more.
Why it matters for your herd.
Reduce guesswork — know what to expect from your animals
Track real genetic progress over time
Sell smarter — EPDs and ultrasound data boost buyer confidence
Cull with confidence — avoid wasting time on low-performing stock
Make better replacements — not just who looks good, but who’ll deliver
Whether you’re running commercial cows or building a top-tier registered program, this is information that helps you make real progress — and save money while doing it.
How We Help
At the SF Ranch, we don’t just scan and send you off with a spreadsheet. We work with you to:
Collect accurate, chute-side ultrasound data
Help you interpret the results
Submit records to your breed association (if applicable)
New to all this? That’s Okay
We’ve worked with all kinds of producers — from long-time seedstock operations to folks just starting to track their herd performance. No question is too simple. We’re here to help you learn, grow, and succeed.
We’d love to visit with you and walk through what questions you might have- or even just chat for a bit!