Automated assessment of intramuscular fat in lamb
Did you know, a medical imaging needle is being adapted to estimate intramuscular fat (IMF) in uncut lamb carcases?
| Publication date: | 31 January 2023 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Download Report
(1.7 MB)
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Summary
Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a key factor for achieving premium eating quality in lamb. A device capable of rapidly measuring the IMF percentage in a hot carcase would enable meat processors and brand owners to identify premium quality meat prior to chilling. This project is adapting medical imaging technology to develop a new optical device to measure IMF in hot carcases.
Objectives
The objectives of this project were to:
- Develop a prototype needle probe device and demonstrate its potential to estimate loin IMF percentage in a meat processing plant.
- Provide an assessment of time required to analyse a scan and validate its results against gold-standard laboratory IMF percentage measurements.
Key findings
A prototype needle probe using optical coherence tomography imaging demonstrated:
- it was capable of probing lamb loins
- acquiring images in a manner and speed that could meeting processing chain requirements.
The estimated values of IMF percentage correlated against gold-standard values with a R2 of 0.6, a RMSE of 1.0% and a mean absolute error of <0.9% IMF. The image capture and accuracy of IMF percentage estimation from the initial training dataset provides confidence to further develop this technology.
Benefits to industry
Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a key factor influencing eating quality in lamb. A device capable of rapidly measuring the IMF percentage in a hot carcase would enable meat processors and brand owners to identify premium quality meat prior to chilling.
The Meat Standards Australia program has developed a cuts-based model to predict eating quality for nine cut-by-cook options. Implementation of this model requires real-time estimation of IMF percentage, which this probe aims to deliver.
MLA action
MLA is supporting the University of Adelaide and a commercial partner to further develop this technology, engage a host lamb processor, and seek AUS-MEAT accreditation.
Future research
The image capture and accuracy of IMF percentage estimation from the initial training dataset provides confidence to further develop this technology. Future research and development will focus on:
- improving image capture
- accuracy of IMF percentage estimation
- speed of analysis
- development of robust machine suitable for abattoir installation.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Richard Apps |
