P.PSH.1362 - Masterbeef App development to enable data integration into Red Meat processor systems
The Masterbeef grading camera is fully accredited by AUS-MEAT to measure the full range of MSA Marbling in beef carcases.
| Project start date: | 20 February 2022 |
| Project end date: | 30 September 2023 |
| Publication date: | 09 July 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
The purpose of the Masterbeef App development project for data integration into Red Meat processor systems is to evaluate the benefits of introduction of new digital grading technologies into our current systems. Along with introducing new technologies comes the challenges of changes to management, training in new processes, data integration into current systems and acceptance of the technology as being accurate for all stakeholders in the beef supply chain.
Objectives
Prior to starting physical trial work, the project management team identified and documented the key objectives of the trial. These are summarised as below
• consistent and uniform grading results across all sites
• ability to grade more carcases more efficiently with less labour and less cost
• improve the transparency of the grading process to the producer
• improve livestock selection to better meet brand and/or product specification
• improved data analysis
• the ability to deliver accurate and consistent feedback on carcase traits back to the producer
• accurate, consistent and 'equal' assessment of both full ribbing and spencer roll rib eye sites by the Masterbeef camera
• accurate and consistent assessment of the complete marble score range.
Key findings
The project revealed several key issues and positive findings that can be categorised into three groups:
1. Immediate work completed to allow the project to proceed effectively.
a. Changes to the Masterbeef App to assist graders and speed up time per carcase.
b. Camera shroud re-design to suit new spencer roll grading.
2. Future changes for commercial implementation.
a. Consideration of abattoir IT system security and ability to operate with active 3rd party API's.
b. Graders should all be Ausmeat/MSA accredited graders who effectively oversea and overwrite the devices score if necessary, making the result Ausmeat/MSA approved by default.
c. Voice activated controls were trialed in the APP to speed up grading and reduce manual keystrokes by user and further development will be worthwhile.
3. Positive findings from introduction of the technology.
a. A new method was developed to grade spencer rolls effectively.
b. Full MSA grading is faster with the Masterbeef device than current system.
c. Ability to recall images for re-assessing if required.
d. Ability to share results including original and generated images with suppliers etc.
e. The device’s light weight and ergonomics were well received by users and allows ease of manoeuvering in tightly packed chillers.
f. The users expressed the ease of use of the device with little training required.
Benefits to industry
The use of carcase grading devices allows image capture and storage. Supplier kill data will now have ability to include images in their feedback or on an online portal. This not only demystifies the grading results for cattle suppliers by allowing them to see their carcase, but our industry will gain a lift in cattle breeder and grower knowledge base and hence contribute massively to inform genetics that can be used with eating quality in mind. The device also collects additional information which is not yet recognised by Ausmeat or MSA standards, such as marble distribution and marble fineness. With these traits potentially creating better eating quality indicators over time they may become very useful tools to keep Australian beef ahead of our international competition.
MLA action
Objective Measurement probes/camera such as Masterbeef continue to be evaluated and adopted by industry. This includes relevant data collection and assessment by AUSMEAT for accrediting devices on a case-by-case decision. Just as critical is industry's integration of data analysis with these devices to assist making informed decisions regarding quality and branding grading.
Future research
The Masterbeef App also has capabilities to connect other data sources and link them to the carcase grading data. These include data sets such as on farm data, other abattoir kill information and DNA genotype profiles. Masterbeef has an in built Artificial Intelligence module which has the ability to predict traits by training it with the traits required against 100,000 DNA markers.
Currently it is being used very successfully in Wagyu commercial beef operations and could be used in other breeds if the desire was there for cattle breeders to chase certain traits.
More information
| Project manager: | Jack Cook |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Masterbeef Pty Ltd |
