Abstract: A method and apparatus for tissue characterization of animals using ultrasound wherein the apparatus generally comprises a hand-held ultrasound transducer array, a power source, a data acquisition unit and a communications means for coupling the hand-held ultrasound transducer array to the data acquisition unit. Display means and input means are provided for the control of the device by a user. The method includes gathering data concerning the animal tissue by using the apparatus to generate and receive ultrasound signals into and from the animal tissue and then processing the data which are gathered. This processing includes analyses which determine whether or not the hand-held ultrasound transducer array was positioned correctly relative to the animal tissue as well as the fat percentage and marbleization of the tissue.