Independent scientific review of DEXA foundation science
| Project start date: | 31 August 2017 |
| Project end date: | 29 November 2017 |
| Publication date: | 01 July 2022 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
Summary
The objective measurement R&D program should be credible amongst peers in the scientific and industry communities. This project engaged with a world leading authority in meat science to conduct a scientific review of DEXA science in the Australian red meat industry with particular focus on two areas of current targeted research: one is lean meat yield, and the other is objective carcase grading (Meat and fat colour, and marbling). Teys with the help of MLA are installing the first commercial prototype of a full side DEXA scanner in its Rockhampton plant. Teys also intend to couple the DEXA technology with automation and with a Marel boning system with the aim of training the DEXA in primal yield prediction, which should improve the management of boning room yield significantly. The project will report, independently, on the opportunities, and risks, with this initiative. This project was terminated before completion of milestone 1 as the US based researcher returned to America before completing the work.
Objectives
The outcomes for this project are aimed at reviewing the current state of research with respect to Beef DEXA systems and carcase grading particularly with respect to:
1. DEXA providing a Lean Meat Yield determination that can be used by internal Teys livestock buyers and eventually be provided to Teys producer suppliers, without fear of compromise of the data validity?)
2. Can producers use lean meat yield to improve their on farm productivity.
3. Can DEXA be coupled with a boning tracking system such as Marel so as to “teach” the DEXA about primal cut yield and therefore improve boning room yield management.
4. DEXAs ability to underpin boning room automation.
Key findings
This project was terminated before completion of milestone 1 as the US based researcher returned to America before completing the work. A positive result of this project and the relationship with the researcher was the establishment of multiple E+V camera grading projects. Mohammad brought the technology to Teys attention and facilitated USDA ARS expert Dr Steven Shackleford to bring it to Australia adapt it for the Australian beef industry.
Benefits to industry
This peer review attempted to ensure that Australian scientists are conducting and presenting their research in a way that will achieve international recognition. Mohammed Koomaraie’s involvement with USDA will also provide an opportunity to determine how importing authorities may view computer based image analysis to quality grade beef carcases.
More information
| Project manager: | Christian Ruberg |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
