Rapid measurement of intramuscular fat in lamb using imaging needles

Summary

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important factor to achieve premium eating quality of lamb. The Australian sheepmeat industry currently has no practical method to assess IMF during meat processing.

This project tested the potential for a high-resolution imaging needle probe to measure the IMF percentage in lamb. The imaging needle was originally developed for human medical use, but is being repurposed for application in meat processing as it can distinguish between fat and muscle.

Objectives

This project aimed to establish the feasibility of whether an imaging needle manufactured for human medical imaging could be applied to meat processing. The results of this project will guide the decision of whether or not to proceed with the commercialisation of IMF needle technology in the red meat industry.

Key findings

• The imaging needle estimated IMF percentage of chilled samples with an average error of only 1.1%.

• Preliminary analysis of a smaller hot carcase dataset demonstrated that IMF can be measured in warm carcases with an average error of 1.4%.

• It correctly categorised almost three quarters (71%) of chilled samples as low, medium or high IMF.

• In hot carcases there was a drop in correct categorisation as low, medium or high IMF to 63%.

• The probe performed continuous measurements during the entire imaging needle insertion, which allows scanning over a needle trajectory of 2-3cm. This is critical to accurately measure the IMF percentage, as the fat occurs in small concentrations dispersed throughout the muscle rather than being evenly distributed throughout the tissue.

Benefits to industry

The development of a tool that can measure the IMF percentage would provide carcase feedback that producers could use to optimise genetics and on-farm management practices. Processors could also use this technology to categorise carcases and develop premium brands for high-quality products.

MLA action

Following the success of this small-scale pilot project, the University of Adelaide and MLA have developed a new project to develop improved algorithms for image analysis. The project will also develop a more robust pre-commercial probe suitable for extensive in-plant data collection to underpin commercialisation.

Future research

The imaging needle demonstrated sufficient accuracy to warrant the development of a commercial version.

A two-stage approach is recommend for commercialisation:

1. Resolve technical issues with the design of the device, including modifying the device to perform more rapid scanning, making the device portable and commercially robust, and optimising IMF accuracy with more comprehensive data analysis algorithms.

2. Identify manufacturing and distribution partners, commercial rollout and methods of maximising the rate of industry adoption.