Broiler birds have drastically increased in size over the past few decades through improvements in genetic selection. Physical measurements such as surface area, volume and physical dimensions are needed information in the construction of animal facilities and developing management guidelines. The objective of this study was to develop a three-dimensional scanning methodology to characterize surface area and envelope volume of poultry, livestock, and equine using a commercially available 3D digitizer system. The digitizing system used phase shift moiré to capture images of three test cylinders, four fiberglass animal models, and a live broiler bird. These images were spliced into physical models using image processing software. System accuracy (< 2%) was verified with cylinder models. Recommended camera orientations and placements were established with each species by the use of fiberglass models. The methods will have to be fine-tuned for live animals as observed in the live broiler test.