Carcass Classification Research Articles

CARCASS EVALUATION SYSTEMS IN THE EU

In order to obtain market transparency carcass classification in the EU has to be carried out according to regulations for different species. Besides the carcass weight objective measurements as a basis for the assessment of lean are available for pigs and partly for beef carcasses. Classification equipments for pigs are the same in various member states, but due to regional differences concerning breeds and consumer’s preferences different formulas are used to calculate lean content. Meat quality traits are not an integrated part of the payment system as yet. Subjective assessment by looking at conformation and fat coverage is applied for most of the beef and sheep carcasses in the member states. Poultry classification also considers hygienic quality of the carcass.

Environmental factors and management practices associated with beef cattle carcass quality in the mid-west of Brazil.

The "Precoce MS" program, established by the Brazilian government in Mato Grosso do Sul in 2017, aims to encourage beef producers to harvest animals at younger ages to enhance carcass quality. About 40% of the beef produced in the state now comes from this program, which offers tax refunds ranging from 49% to 67% based on carcass classification and production system. Despite the program success, with participants delivering younger animals (with a maximum of 4 incisors), there remains significant variability in carcass quality. This paper investigates management practices and environmental factors affecting farm performance regarding carcass quality. Data from all animals harvested between the beginning of 2017 and the end of 2018 were analyzed, totaling 1,107 million animals from 1,470 farms. Farm performance was assessed based on the percentage of animals achieving grades "AAA" and "AA." Each batch of harvested cattle from each farm was categorized into two groups: high farm performance (HFP, with more than 50% of animals classified as "AAA" or "AA") and low farm performance (LFP, with less than 50% classified as such). A predictive logistic model was developed to forecast farm performance (FP) using 14 continuous and 15 discrete pre-selected variables. The most effective model, obtained through backward stepwise variable selection, had an R 2 of 0.18, accuracy of 71.5%, and AUC of 0.715. Key predictors included animal category, production system type, carcass weight, individual identification, traceability system, presence of a feed plant, location, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the 12-mo average before harvest. Developing predictive models of carcass quality by integrating data from commercial farms with other sources of information (animal, production system, and environment) can improve our understanding of production systems, optimize resource allocation, and advance sustainable animal production. Additionally, they offer valuable insights for designing and implementing better sectorial, social, and environmental policies by public administrations, not only in Brazil but also in other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Machine learning strategy for light lamb carcass classification using meat biomarkers

In Mediterranean areas, lamb meat is considered to be of great commercial value. Moreover, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in understanding the origin of lamb meat and its associated production and breeding systems. Among many applications, algorithms based on artificial intelligence are used to identify the origin of food products, and in this context, algorithms such as the Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) have been proposed to differentiate the origin of the animals according to their feeding diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a variable reduction method based on a multiple regression model and three widely-used machine learning algorithms (SVM, KNN and ANN) for the classification of three commercial light lamb carcasses, from three feeding diets, in an indigenous Spanish breed (Mallorquina), using fatty acid and volatile compound biomarkers of meat. Machine learning algorithms were employed to discriminate lamb carcasses using 14 identified significant biomarkers, which were arranged based on an estimation of the relative importance (stepwise forward multiple regression F-score) of the input variables. We achieved high performances for the SVM, KNN and ANN algorithms, with 86%, 98% and 98% prediction accuracy, respectively. Among the 14 biomarkers used, 7 were identified as showing the highest discriminant capacity. The F-scores indicate that C17:1 and C20:5 n-3 fatty acids, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 3-methylbutanal volatile compounds are the four most relevant biomarkers for predicting three lamb feeding diets.

Application of artificial intelligence techniques in meat processing: A review

AbstractThe field of meat processing plays a critical role in the food industry and has seen increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology with rapid technological advancements. AI technology has tremendous potential for enhancing production efficiency and product quality in meat processing. However, further research and exploration are necessary to tackle the challenges posed by the use of AI technology. This article details the implementation of AI technology in meat processing, focusing on carcass classification, automation and intelligent processing, and meat‐quality detection. We aim to provide inspiration to researchers and industry professionals and promote the advancement of AI technology in the meat processing sector.Practical applicationsOur review article showcases the potential industrial applications of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in the meat processing industry. AI technology can greatly improve production efficiency and product quality in meat processing. By implementing AI algorithms, meat processors can accurately classify carcasses, automate various processing tasks, and detect meat quality with higher accuracy. These advancements can lead to increased profitability and improved food safety in the industry. We hope to provide valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals, encouraging them to further explore and adopt AI technology in the meat processing sector.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of thin-tailed Kivircik and fat-tailed Kangal Akkaraman lambs according to EUROP carcass fatness and conformation classes

A carcass classification method is expected to effectively categorize carcasses based on both carcass and meat quality criteria. Localisation of adipose tissue on the carcass differs between thin- and fat-tailed sheep breeds, which may influence the effectiveness of the EUROP classification system in distinguishing lamb carcasses. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of EUROP carcass fatness and conformation classes on carcass characteristics and meat quality in thin-tailed Kivircik and fat-tailed Kangal Akkaraman lambs. Slaughtering, carcass, and meat quality data of 115 lambs (67 Kivircik and 48 Kangal Akkaraman) were examined. Hierarchical cluster analysis yielded 3 clusters in both breeds. Differences among lamb carcasses in different clusters were significant for nearly all carcass characteristics in both breeds. Fatness and conformation classes significantly influenced on most of the carcass characteristics in both breeds. However, the effect of fatness class on percentages of valuable joints, and the effect of conformation class on hind limb tissue composition were not significant in Kangal Akkaraman lambs. As carcass fatness and conformation classes increased in Kivircik lambs, meat colour became darker. In Kangal Akkaraman lambs, fatness class had no influence on meat colour. The effects of fatness and conformation classes on sensory characteristics were not significant in both breeds, except fatness effect on odour intensity in Kangal Akkaraman lambs. In conclusion, the EUROP classification system may not be as effective in distinguishing carcass and meat quality in Kangal Akkaraman lambs as in the Kivircik breed.

91. Synthesis: Classification of pig carcasses according to muscle content in France and the European Union

91. Synthesis: Classification of pig carcasses according to muscle content in France and the European Union

Molecular Pathways for Muscle and Adipose Tissue Are Altered between Beef Steers Classed as Choice or Standard.

Targets for finished livestock are often determined by expected fat, either subcutaneous or intramuscular. These targets are used frequently to improve eating quality. Lower intramuscular fat, lack of product uniformity, and insufficient tenderness can negatively impact beef acceptability. This study aimed to investigate the differences in gene expression that alter metabolism and intercellular signaling in the muscle and adipose tissue in beef carcasses at different fat endpoints. In this study, longissimus thoracis muscle samples and adipose tissue were collected at harvest, and RNA was extracted and then sequenced using RNAseq. Differential expression was determined using edgeR, and p-values were adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg method. A corrected p-value of 0.005 and log2 (fold change) of >1 were the threshold to identify differential expression. Comparison between intermuscular and subcutaneous fat showed no differences in the genes activated in the two adipose tissue depots, suggesting that subcutaneous fat was an adequate sample. Carcass data allowed the classification of carcasses by USDA quality grades (marbling targets). In comparing muscle from Standard and Choice carcasses, 15 genes were downregulated, and 20 were upregulated. There were 49 downregulated and 113 upregulated genes comparing adipose tissue from Standard and Choice carcasses. These genes are related to the metabolism of fat and energy. This indicates that muscle transcript expression varies less than adipose. In addition, subcutaneous fat can be used to evaluate transcript changes in fat. However, it is unclear whether these fat tissues can be used as surrogates for marbling.

Carcass parameters of farmed sika deer

New methods for evaluating cervid carcasses without the need to divide them into primal cuts are constantly being sought. A possible solution could be the use of indirect methods based on correlations between carcass parameters and regression equations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the carcasses of farmed males of sika deer, and to determine the relationships between their parameters. The analyzed carcass parameters were found to be closely correlated. The regression equations derived in the study can be used to predict the weights of individual carcass cuts and, in the future, to facilitate carcass classification and grading.

Análise discriminante baseada nos escores de conformação e acabamento de carcaça de ovinos

ABSTRACT Carcass classification consists of grouping animals with similar carcass characteristics. When the groups are defined a priori, as in the case of conformation and finishing scores, the interest is to identify the contribution of each variable used in separating the groups. Therefore, discriminant analysis was used to discriminate Santa Inês animals according to the conformation and carcass finishing scores (score 2 = regular, score 3 = good) and to identify the variables that most contribute to the differentiation. The conformation and carcass finishing scores vary from 1 to 5. This study used scores 2 and 3, considering that the evaluated animals ranged between these two respective scales. The database consisted of information from 122 uncastrated Santa Inês sheep submitted to the confinement regime, of which 24 variables related to the carcass of the animals were recorded. Data were submitted to the Mardia test to verify multivariate normality, followed by the nonparametric k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) test. The stepwise procedure selected a particular subset of variables, and the Mahalanobis Distance (D2) was used to assess the separation of groups (p-value ˂ 0.05). The variables with the highest discriminatory power for the carcass conformation scores were cold carcass weight (CCW), external carcass length (ECL), and neck (NEC), for carcass finishing were live weight at slaughter (LWS), ECL, and thoracic perimeter (TP). The multivariate discriminant analysis proved efficient in allocating the animals in their groups of origin.

Short-term supplementation of zinc nanoparticles in weaned piglets affects zinc bioaccumulation and carcass classification

High doses of zinc have been used as a prevention against weaned piglets' diarrhea for many years. Nevertheless, since 2022 high doses of zinc oxide have been banned in EU. Currently, there are several studies about the potential of zinc nanoparticles in lower doses which could maintain a preventive effect. Several concerns about nanoparticles' toxicity and bioaccumulation have been raised in many other fields of research. The aim of this short follow-up study is focused on the impact of zinc nanoparticles used as a prevention of diarrhea for weaned piglets, on the classification of slaughtered pigs’ carcasses and on zinc retention in muscle tissue. Seventy piglets (10 groups of 7 piglets) were fed a standard diet. The treated groups’ diets were supplemented with zinc oxide (ZnO), and phosphate-based nanoparticles: spherical- shaped type A (ZnA) and irregular-shaped: type C (ZnC), at the doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg Zn equivalent per kilogram of diet. The control group´s diet was not treated with zinc in any form. The feed experiment started when the piglets were 28 days old and lasted for 10 days. Experimental animals were grown to the final weight 120 ± 10 kg and slaughtered in a slaughterhouse. The pig carcasses were evaluated according to S/EUROP standards: the pigs’ weight, back fat thickness and lean meat content were monitored. Moreover, zinc concentrations in M. longissimus dorsi et thoracis were analyzed. The results have not proved significant changes in S/EUROP standard classification and zinc bioaccumulation in muscle tissue. This follow-up experiment was carried out as part of maintaining a precautionary approach to the use the nanoparticles in piglet fattening. In our study we did not confirm their effect on the assessment of carcass classification and their bioaccumulation in muscle tissue.

A comparative assessment of two different methods, using devices Optiscan-TP and Optigrade-MCP, for predicting the lean meat percentage of pig carcasses in Greece in relation to the European reference method

Lean Meat Percentage (LMP) is a key index for assessing pork carcass quality as well as determining carcass classification and price. This framework offers to farmers the incentive to achieve the desired organoleptic features; therefore LMP must be measured objectively online, by means of various measuring instruments. The aim of this work was to assess two different methods for predicting the lean meat percentage of pig carcasses in Greece in comparison to the European reference method. For this reason, the same 130 pig carcasses (65 males and 65 females) were measured using 2 prediction devices (Optiscan-TP and Optigrade-MCP) and subsequently were assessed according to European reference method. A formula corresponding to each device was constructed using the ordinary least squares (OLS)method and excluding the same outliers. Calculated RMSEP for all 130 carcasses was 2.46518 for Optiscan-TP and 2.48489 for Optigrade-MCP. It can be concluded that both methods perform entirely according to EU legislation (Commission Regulation (EC) 1249/2008, European Union, 2008), and results obtained are similar regardless of different measurement points and technologies.

Pig Carcass Quality Evolution in Romania

The Romanian Carcass Classification Commission (RCCC) was established in 2004 and it became the official partner for delivering carcass quality information to the European Commission in 2007. RCCC is the NGO serving the interests of the private stakeholders in the meat chain (farmers, slaughterhouses, processors, and traders), which guarantees the neutrality and objectivity of carcass quality assessment according to SEUROP grading system’s legally binding rules. Considering the importance of an independent assessment of the slaughter pig quality for the entire food chain, the analysis of the carcass quality evolution in Romania is important for future benchmarking and trend assessments as well. The current review is based on the public data developed in time by the RCCC. It demonstrates the importance of a professional organization measuring the quality of carcass in slaughtered pigs and its impact on the meat chain as a whole, both for its stakeholders and consumers. It also highlights the evolution of the pig carcasses produced in Romania, underlining the main factors involved and expected trends under the current circumstances of the presence and spread of the African Swine Fever virus (ASF) within Romania in the last four years. The main conclusion is that while the carcass quality improved over time, the graded carcass number decreased after 2017, primarily due to ASF outbreaks in commercial farms and the overall reduction of the farmed pig inventory, and increasing dependence of Romanian consumers on imports.

Tenderness of PGI "Ternera de Navarra" Beef Samples Determined by FTIR-MIR Spectroscopy.

Understanding meat quality attribute changes during ageing by using non-destructive techniques is an emergent pursuit in the agroindustry research field. Using beef certified samples from the protected geographical indication (PGI) "Ternera de Navarra", the primary goal of this study was to use Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on the middle infrared region (FTIR-MIR) as a tool for the examination of meat tenderness evolution throughout ageing. Samples of the longissimus dorsi muscle of twenty young bulls were aged for 4, 6, 11, or 18 days at 4 °C. Animal carcass classification and sample proximate analysis were performed to check sample homogeneity. Raw aged steaks were analyzed by FTIR-MIR spectroscopy (4000-400 cm-1) to record the vibrational spectrum. Texture profile analysis was performed using a multiple compression test (compression rates of 20%, 80%, and 100%). Compression values were found to decrease notably between the fourth and sixth day of ageing for the three compression rates studied. This tendency continued until the 18th day for C20. For C80 and C100, there was not a clear change in the 11th and 18th days of the study. Regarding FTIR-MIR as a prediction method, it achieved an R2 lower than 40%. Using principal component analysis (PCA) of the results, the whole spectrum fingerprint was used in the discrimination of the starting and final ageing days with correct maturing time classifications. Combining the PCA treatment together with the discriminant analysis of spectral data allowed us to differentiate the samples between the initial and the final ageing points, but it did not single out the intermediate points.

Comparative analysis of buffalo, local and continental cattle carcasses with the European Union classification system in Greece

The carcasses produced in Greece from Greek Buffalo, indigenous and local crossbred cattle were evaluated using the European Union (EU) bovine classification system and compared with carcasses of continental breeds reared in the country. The main carcass production (67.8%) came from animals born in Greece with a relatively low percentage from local breeds (17%). The lightest carcass weight was found in Greek Brachyceros [145.2 ± 2.3 kg (males); 146.0 ± 3.1 kg (females)], while among locals the Greek Blonde rendered the heaviest carcass weights [303.2 ± 2.9 kg (males); 265.3 ± 3.5 kg (females)]. Muscle conformation scoring was the lowest in Buffalo [4.1 ± 0.1 (males); 4.9 ± 0.0 (females)] and the highest for males of Charolais and Blonde d'Aquitaine (11.2 ± 0.0 and 10.7 ± 0.0, respectively). The meat-purposed breeds produced carcasses of higher quality than dual-purposed, local breeds and dairy Holstein-Friesian. With the discriminant analysis, the correct classification of carcasses varied from 53.4% (males) to 47.8% (females) with high assignment percentage of Greek Buffalo males (81.6%), Simmental males (80.7%) and Holstein-Friesian females (98.5%).

Towards improving classification of Canadian dark-cutting beef carcasses: Consumer sensory evaluation

This study evaluated whether different colour intensities of ribeye steaks from dark-cutting (B4 grade) beef carcasses (Dark–B4DK/Moderate–B4MD) were similar in appearance and eating quality to steaks from normal (N) carcasses of lower marbling grades (AA or A) as assessed by consumers. The B4MDAAA and B4DK/MDAA had similar raw appearance and eating quality to N carcasses with a one quality downgrade for marbling (P > 0.1), potentially supporting a B4MDAAA and B4DK/MDAA re-class to NAA and NA grades, respectively. Cooked B4DKAAA steaks had greater juiciness and tenderness acceptability (P < 0.01) and similar appearance, flavour and overall acceptability and purchase intent compared to NAA steaks (P > 0.1). However, consumers perceived greater marbling and lower colour acceptability (P < 0.01) in raw B4DKAAA compared to NAA steaks, lowering the purchase intent scores of B4DKAAA steaks (P < 0.01). These results suggest merit for continuing a B4DKAAA segregated grade, unless the superior eating quality of B4DKAAA could offset its poorer raw appearance through consumer education or modified atmosphere packaging.

Rendimiento productivo y clasificación de canales de corderos Pelibuey puros y cruzados criados bajo un sistema de producción intensivo en un clima cálido-húmedo

The effect of breed on growth, characteristics, and carcass classification was investigated using 11 Charollais x Pelibuey (ChP) lambs, 10 Dorper x Pelibuey (DP) lambs, and 18 Pelibuey (P) lambs in an intensive production system in a warm-humid climate. A significant effect of genotype ( &lt;0.05) was observed on birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and daily weight gain (DWG), all of which were higher in the ChP genotype. ChP and DP lambs reached commercial weight 35 and 23 d earlier, respectively than P lambs. Genotype has a marked influence on the carcass characteristics, affect conformation and classification of carcass. The probability of obtaining a carcass with good conformation and MEX 1 classification (good: MEX 1) is 72 % higher for the ChP genotype than for the P genotype. The loin and leg yields of the ChP genotype were higher than those of the other genotypes. The pH, temperature, and instrumental color of the carcass, meat, and subcutaneous fat were affected by genotype. ChP lambs showed better growth, characteristics, and carcass classification than lambs of the DP and P genotypes.

Organoleptic characteristics of the classification of carcasses from bovine cattle in the tropics of veracruzano

This research work was carried out in a municipal trail (TIF) in the North of Veracruz, Mexico, with the aim of physically analyzing the quality of beef. A sample of 90 male cattle, which were divided into the following groups: F1 pure Brahman (n=30), F2 Brahman Crossses/ Holstein (n=30) y F3 Brahman Crosses/ Brown Swiis (n=30), male cattle was used at 24 months of age. They received the same management and a food ration based on harinoline, soybean paste, grain corn, grain sage and a mixture of vitamins-minerals, which was offered to 3.5.0% (NRC, 2000) fresh water and forage to free access, averaging the 350 kg completed in intensive corral for slaughter during the 60 days of the experiment. The variables analyzed were: flesh color, fat color, marbling and texture. The results were evaluated through the STADISTIC programme, showing generally that cuts of meat from young uncastrated males with two years of age presented category A, characterized by white fat, with a deep red color, soft texture and abundant marbling in a rating of 11 and 12. Noting that young animals showed the best physical qualities in beef.

Producer prices, carcass classification and consumers’ willingness to pay for different sheep meat grades: an experimental auction approach

ABSTRACT South African sheep farmers receive different prices for animals of different age, carcass form and fat level. Older animals trade at a substantive discount to the younger animals due to the perceived tenderness and juiciness of the younger animal. There is however a question whether the size of the discount is warranted given that certain cuts from older animals are preferred by consumers for specific purposes. This paper applies an experimental auction combined with sensory tests to establish the consumers’ willingness to pay for sheep meat products from carcasses with different age categories. In this way the paper endeavours to test whether the price differentiation in the mind of the consumer (through its perceived intrinsic value) corresponds with the price differentiation at the abattoir level. Consumers’ sensory assessment results and average bid prices via the experimental auction indicated a difference in preference towards the three age classes for the stew meat, loin, and leg cuts respectively. The results validate previous results with trained panels and confirm the specific consumer preferences for specific cuts of different age categories. It was also found that the difference in the bids for different age categories was far smaller than the difference in abattoir prices for the different age categories.

Associations between Animal Welfare Indicators and Animal-Related Factors of Slaughter Cattle in Austria.

Simple SummaryThe aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of lameness, dirtiness of the body surface, and abomasal disorders of slaughter cattle; and (2) to determine the association between these welfare indicators and animal-related factors (e.g., housing type, carcass weight, and transportation and waiting duration of the animals). In contrast to dirtiness (level of contamination of the body surface, also referred to as cleanliness) and the prevalence of abomasal disorders, the determined lameness prevalence was very low. The husbandry of cattle was identified as a significant influencing factor for both the dirtiness and occurrence of abomasal disorders of slaughter cattle.Three cattle welfare indicators (lameness, dirtiness, and abomasal disorders) were evaluated in 412 slaughter cattle in a cross-sectional study in Austria. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of lameness, dirtiness of slaughter cattle, and abomasal disorders; and (2) to determine the association between these welfare indicators and animal-related factors (e.g., housing type, carcass weight, transportation and waiting duration of the animals). The lameness prevalence was 0.73%, the abomasal disorders prevalence was 52.43%, and 88.59% of all cattle were contaminated. The latter result indicates that the cattle were kept in a dirty environment. The occurrence of abomasal disorders was associated with cattle housing systems (p ≤ 0.00) and slaughter weight (p = 0.03). The odds for abomasal disorders were 28.0 times higher for cattle housed on slatted flooring compared to cattle kept in a tethered system. The chance for occurrence of abomasal disorders was 3.6 times higher for cattle with a low carcass weight compared to cattle with a high carcass weight. Furthermore, significant associations were found between dirtiness (also referred to as cleanliness or contamination) and husbandry system, sex, and breed. Cattle housed in deep litter boxes had 40.8 times higher odds of being contaminated compared to cattle in a tethered housing system. Cows (odds: 32.9) and heifers (odds: 4.4) had higher odds of being contaminated with feces compared to bulls, whereby female calves (odds: 0.09) and male calves (odds: 0.02) had significantly lower odds of being contaminated. Furthermore, the breeds Brown Swiss (odds: 0.26) and Holstein-Friesian (odds: 0.14) had a significantly lower chance of being contaminated compared to Simmental cattle. Other collected factors, such as production system, transportation duration, life days of the cattle, average daily weight gain, carcass classification, and fat coverage, showed no association with the collected welfare indicators. The study presented here indicates that welfare indicators evaluated for slaughter cattle are suitable to assess cattle welfare, and improvements in husbandry may positively impact both the abomasal physiology and cleanliness of cattle.

Short Communication: Phenotypic relationship between organ lesions and carcass performance traits recorded in different abattoirs

In this study, the relationship between abattoir-recorded organ lesions and carcass traits was analyzed by estimating phenotypic correlations applying a pairwise, bivariate model. The dataset comprised 81,910 pigs from fifteen fattening farms that were slaughtered at seven abattoirs. Low to moderate correlations (r = -0.06 to 0.36) were estimated, indicating that organ lesions are associated with none to moderate changes in carcass traits. Animals were grouped according to their health status (HS0= no lesion, HS1= one lesion, HS2≥ two lesions). After applying a linear mixed model, HS1 and HS2 animals showed lower carcass weight, muscle thickness, fat thickness and lean mean content in comparison to HS0 animals. However, the extent of the difference is marginal in the context of the EU carcass classification levels.