Agricultural Livestock and Poultry Program QAD 112 Procedure 

Marketing 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258 January 16, 2024

Service Washington, DC 20250 Page 1 of 1 

OFFICIAL MARBLING PHOTOGRAPHS

PURPOSE

The Livestock and Poultry Program and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association reprinted the Official 

USDA Marbling Photographs. The purpose of reprinting was to obtain a sufficient number of sets to replace 

those currently in use prior to any significant deterioration due to wear and fading.

PROCEDURE

The Official USDA Marbling Photographs are the official illustrations of the lower limits of the appropriate 

6 marbling degrees referenced in the official standards. Supervisors and graders are required to have the 

complete set of photographs readily available when performing official grading duties. Sufficient care must 

be taken to avoid exposing the photographs to moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, as these elements will 

adversely affect the color fixation.

The set of photographs is available for purchase by members of the industry and other interested parties by 

visiting the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) online store or contacting the AMSA at the 

following address:

American Meat Science Association

302 S. Platte Clay Way

Kearney, MO 64060

Email: information@meatscience.org 

Phone: 1-800-517-2672

CHANGE OF RECORD

Updated contact information to American Meat Science Association. 

SUPERSEDES

QAD 112 Procedure: Official Marbling Photographs, 08/31/2018. 

____________________________________

Mark Perigen, Director

Quality Assessment Division

Livestock and Poultry Program 

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