Predicting the fatness of lamb carcasses from carcass wall thickness measured by ruler or by a total depth indicator (TDI) probe

Abstract

In a trial involving 38 carcasses, a ruler measurement (M5) of carcass wall thickness taken between the 11th and 12th ribs, 11 cm from the mid-line, was as closely related to the chemical fat content of lamb carcasses as other measurements (GR, C) considered for use in carcass classification/grading systems. A trial on 55 lamb carcasses showed the Hennessy and Chong Total Depth Indicator (TDI) was a satisfactory probe to take the M5 measurement on intact carcasses immediately following slaughter. Additional trials are needed to establish whether the TDI can be used at the rate lamb carcasses can be presented off the slaughter chain (6–8 per min) and whether the instrument is sufficiently robust for constant slaughterhouse use.