udder - Encased group of mammary glands of the female.
ultrasound - Using high-frequency sound waves to show visual
outlines of internal body structures (e.g., fat thickness, rib-
eye area, and pregnancy can be predicted). The machine sends
sound waves into the animal and records these waves as they
bounce off the tissues. Different wavelengths are recorded for
fat and lean. umbilical cord - Cord through which arteries and
veins travel from the fetus to and from the placenta,
respectively. This cord is broken when the young are born.
uncoupling - Term used to consider separating quality grading
and yield grading. unsoundness - Any defect or injury that
interferes with the usefulness of an animal. urinary calculi -
Disease that causes mineral deposits to crystallize in the
urinary tract. USDA - See U.S. Department of Agriculture. U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) - An executive department of
the U.S. government that helps farmers supply farm products for
U.S. consumers and overseas markets. See Appendix for