The Relationship of Carcase Measurements and Dissection Data to Beef Carcase Composition

Abstract

SUMMARY An assessment of the relative value of some measurements and ratios, as indices of carcase composition, was made by comparison of correlation coefficients and consideration of practical difficulties associated with the use of various indices. Shin-muscle, radius and ulna, and kidney fat weights were selected as suitable intrinsic indices of the various body components, and an analysis of variance of breed differences indicated that some care is necessary in the use of radius and ulna weight between breeds. Also differences could be anticipated in the proportion of kidney fat laid down by some breeds. Fat was most accurately estimated by formulae using log values of fat thickness, carcase weight, and kidney fat weight. Muscle was most accurately predicted using shin-muscle weight, fat thickness, and cold carcase weight. Bone was best predicted by formulae using log radius and ulna weight and log cold carcase weight. The most practical formulae using actual values were: Total Fat of Half Carcase (g.) = − 9017·82 + 11535·26 (fat thickness in an.) + 41·26 (cold carcase in lb.) Total Muscle of Half Carcase (g.) = 393·8830 + 15·99 (shin muscle in g.) − 3934·06 (fat thickness in cm.) + 86·20 (coldcarcase in lb.) Total Side Bone of Half Carcase (g.) = − 466·93 + 15·04 (radius and ulna in g.) + 6·95 (cold carcase in lb.)