Saleable Meat Research Articles

Beef production systems with dairy × beef heifers based on forage and semi-natural grassland

ABSTRACT Beef production on semi-natural grassland provides meat and nature conservation of biodiverse habitats. In this study, heifers born to a dairy cow and an Angus (ANG) or Charolais (CHA) sire were allocated to a HIGH or LOW production system, varying in indoor feed intensity, number of summers on grass and slaughter age. CHA crosses had higher liveweight gain, conformation score, and proportion of high-value retail cuts than ANG crosses, which had higher scores for fatness and marbling. The LOW system gave lower liveweight gain and carcasses with lower fatness scores than the HIGH system. CHA-LOW had leaner carcasses than the other groups. Per kilogram salable meat produced, ANG-HIGH, CHA-HIGH, ANG-LOW, and CHA-LOW resulted in 18, 15, 58, and 46 m2 grazed semi-natural grassland. These results indicate that dairy × beef heifers can be used for nature conservation grazing of semi-natural grassland while still achieving acceptable performance and market-oriented carcass characteristics.

PSXIII-1 Proof of Concept of Feeding Non-Protein Nitrogen Based Special Liquid Product (StimGain) Improve the Performance and Production in Swine and Poultry

Abstract Feed is generally the greatest expense for animal production today. Improved feed formulations and new approaches of feeding existing feedstuffs are being explored to increase total protein production. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of an energy-based Special Liquid (StimGain) containing non-protein nitrogen (NPN), alcohol, and distiller grain solubles monogastric diets without critically affecting growth and performance. The Study 1 (Swine grow-finish test) test included 24 pigs (average purchase weight 19.1 kg) per treatment group with three replications were placed for 90 days. The treatments were: 1) Control diet with 16% protein, 2) Protein Check: Control diet with 15% protein, 3) StimGain: same as protein check including 22.7 kg of StimGain product per ton feed. The Study 2 (Laying Hen test) test included 100 pullets per treatment group, with 10 pullets per cage 10 weeks. At 10 weeks of age, pullets were placed in layer cage 2 birds per cage for 30 weeks. The treatments were: 1) Control diet, 2): Control diet + 22.7 kg StimGain product per ton feed. Each group of hens received identical amounts of minerals and vitamins. The Study 3 (Broiler Chicken test) test included 110 birds per treatment group, with 10 birds per cage for 42 days. The treatments were: 1) Control diet, 2): Control diet + 22.7 kg of StimGain product per ton feed. Each group of hens received identical amounts of minerals and Vitamins. Differences in growth performance between groups were analyzed for significance using ANOVA then used PostHoc test. Kruskal-Wallis test was done to confirm if there is a significant difference among treatments, and normality was tested by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test to do pairwise comparisons. Significance was considered at P ≤ 0.05 . The pig study (Study 1), StimGain improved average feed to gain (Control = 3.240, Protein check = 3.391, StimGain = 3.016), salable meat production (Contro l= 78.47%, Protein check = 80.02%, StimGain = 82.22%), lard formation (Control = 14.33%, Protein check = 12.39%, StimGain = 11.58%).In Study 2, StimGain increased average laying percent of hens (StimGain hens = 80.47%, Control hens = 79.34%). In the broiler chicken study (Study 3), StimGain improved Feed to Gain (StimGain = 2.590, Control = 2.911) and salable meat weight (average dressed weight to live weight percentage for StimGain birds = 69.93%, Control birds = 69.01%). Diets formulated with StimGain in pigs improved feed to gain ratio and improved the efficiency of proteins, rather than addition of protein to a conventional swine diet. Also, StimGain improved efficiency of metabolism by reducing lard formation and increasing salable meat formation in pigs. StimGain increased average laying percent of hens, and improved feed to gain and salable meat in broilers.

Nutritional Quality of Meat from Barren Merino Ewes in Comparison to Meat from Traditional Lambs.

In Spain, lamb consumption has decreased over the last few years. To increase farmers' income, we studied the nutritional quality of the barren ewes' meat in comparison to traditional lambs' meat with 10 barren ewes, 10 male lambs, and 10 female lambs from the Merino breed. We measured the subcutaneous fat, muscle color, and carcass tissue composition, as well as proximal composition, mineral, tocopherol, retinol, lutein, and cholesterol contents, and the TPA texture profile, fatty acid profile, and lipid oxidation of the meat. There was no effect of the animal type (males, females, and ewes) on the pH, and the differences in the subcutaneous fat color, lipid oxidation, and texture were irrelevant from a practical point of view. The tissue composition in the three groups of animals reflected a high percentage of saleable meat, with no penalty incurred for intensive fattening in any of the groups. The ewes' meat presented a higher percentage of moisture, collagen, ash, calcium, iron, α-tocopherol, and retinol than the lambs' meat. In addition, it had higher content of DHA and CLA and lower values for the ratio n6/n3, which is beneficial for health, although it also contained more fat, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol than the lambs' meat.

Field demonstration analyzing the implementation of individual animal electronic identification and genetic testing in western range sheep flocks.

Adoption of electronic identification ear tags (EID) and DNA testing by commercial range sheep producers in the Western United States has been low, despite the availability of these technologies for over a decade. Jointly, these technologies offer an approach to provide individual animal performance data to improve flock health, genetic and reproductive management. This project involved a collaboration with five California sheep producers representing a broad geographic range, varying levels of pre-project EID adoption, and diverse operational practices. Tissue samples were collected from, and ear EIDs were placed in, a total of 2,936 rams and their potential lambs. We partnered with a commercial packing company, Superior Farms, to genotype the animals. Superior Farms used a targeted genotyping panel to assign parentage, and link individual animal identification (ID) to camera-graded carcass measurements. This enabled the collection of individual progeny carcass data and provided insight into sire performance, providing for the within-flock identification of prolific sires that were producing lambs with significantly more saleable meat as compared to their flock mates. Overall, almost 91% of lambs were successfully matched to their sire, and prolificacy ranging from 0-135 lambs per ram. There was as much as an $80 difference in the average edible product from camera-graded carcasses derived from lamb groups sired by different rams. A partial budget analysis modeling investment in an EID system coupled with an autodrafter and scale to collect individual weights and improve labor efficiency during processing, and a sheep flip chute to improve worker safety during foot trimmings, yielded a greater than 7:1 return on investment over a five-year time frame. Ideally, the data collection enabled by EIDs and DNA testing would feed into data-driven genetic evaluation programs to enable selection for more productive and profitable animals, and allow the US sheep industry to accelerate the rate of genetic improvement.

Fortification of diets with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids enhances feedlot performance, intramuscular fat content, fat melting point, and carcass characteristics of Tattykeel Australian White MARGRA lambs.

Meat eating quality indices such as intramuscular fat content (IMF) and fat melting point (FMP) of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle and the feedlot performance, carcass traits, and commercial wholesale cuts of lot-fed Tattykeel Australian White (TAW) MARGRA lambs as a result of dietary fortification of the diet with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) were evaluated. A total of 75 TAW MARGRA lambs at 6 months of age with an average liveweight of 30 ± 1.2 kg were used. The lambs were randomly allocated to the following three dietary treatments of 25 lambs each in a 47-day feeding trial using a completely randomized experimental design: (1) control diet of hay plus pellets without omega-3 oil, (2) hay plus commercial whole grain pellets (MSM) without omega-3 oil, and (3) hay plus pellets fortified with omega-3 oil. It was hypothesized that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fortified pellets will improve feedlot performance, meat-eating quality indices of IMF, FMP, and carcass characteristics. Lot-fed lambs on the MSM whole grain had the highest feed intake of 1.69 kg/day, followed by the control at 1.57 kg/day and the lowest in the omega-3 diet at 1.01 kg/day (p = 0.0001). However, the omega-3 diet had the highest average daily gain of 230 g/head/day (p = 0.0001), indicating the greatest feed efficiency since it had the best growth response with minimal feed intake. Post-slaughter evaluation of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle revealed significant treatment variations in IMF (p = 0.0001), FMP (p = 0.0001), pH (p = 0.0380), and wholesale French rack primal cut (p = 0.0001). Strong correlations (p < 0.05) between liveweight, temperature, pH, FMP, and IMF were observed. Similarly, significant correlations between carcass characteristics of total saleable meat yield, lean trim, fat trims, bones, and leg shank were evident (p < 0.05). However, there were no treatment differences in the final liveweight, GR fat depth, hot standard carcass weight, or dressing percentage. The findings indicate that feedlot performance, meat-eating quality traits such as IMF and FMP, and commercial wholesale French rack cuts can be further improved during feedlot finishing of TAW MARGRA lambs through dietary supplementation with omega-3 oils, and hence the tested hypothesis of improved meat quality attributes is partially confirmed.

Carcass characteristics and prediction of individual cuts and boneless yield of Bos indicus and Bos indicus × Bos taurus bulls differing in age

No study has reported the carcass characteristics or saleable meat yield prediction models for humped and humpless cattle beef bulls in South Asia. In this study, carcass characteristics and predicted individual meat cuts and boneless yields of Bos indicus and Bos indicus × Bos taurus bulls differing in age were investigated. A total of 96 humped (n = 48, Bos indicus) and humpless (n = 48, Bos indicus × Bos taurus) bulls aged 18–24 months and 25–36 months, were used. Carcass characteristics, meat cuts, and by-product yields of humped and humpless beef bulls were compared. The authors also developed prediction models to estimate the boneless and individual meat cut yields of the bulls through morphometry and hot carcass weight (HCW) by performing regression analysis. Carcass conformation and fatness classes were determined using the “EUROP” grading scheme, whereas; meat color, fat color, marbling score, backfat thickness, and ribeye area were assessed from ribeye steak using AUS-MEAT chiller assessment standards. Humpless and 25–36 months of age bulls exhibited relatively better grading characteristics (carcass conformation, ribeye area, and marbling score) and higher weights (live, carcass, meat cuts, and by-products) than humped and 18–24 months of age bulls, respectively. Linear body measurements explained 69.6% vs. 66% of the variance in forequarter yield, 78.1% vs. 59.7% of that in hindquarter yield, and 72% vs. 64.8% of that in total boneless yield of humped and humpless bulls, respectively. Furthermore, the HCW explained 92.9% vs. 92.8% of the variance in forequarter yield, 94.4% vs. 95.9% of that in hindquarter yield, and 96.4% to 97% of that in total boneless yield of humped and humpless bulls, respectively. Among the different meat cuts, the HCW explained the highest variances in blades and silversides (90% and 93.3%, respectively), whereas the lowest variances were observed in cube rolls and foreleg shins (37.4% and 34.8%) in humped and humpless bulls, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that humpless and 25–36 months of age category bulls could be used to obtain superior quality carcasses with optimum meat production to meet the demands of meat importers. Moreover, linear body measurements and HCW could play an essential role in the cost-effective prediction and value-based marketing of individual meat cuts and the total boneless yield of humped and humpless bulls. However, further studies with large datasets are needed to validate the prediction model equations developed in this study.

Red Meat Republic: A Hoof-to-Table History of How Beef Changed America

Red Meat Republic: A Hoof-to-Table History of How Beef Changed America

Effect of slaughter weight on slaughtering and carcass characteristics in lambs from thin-tailed Kivircik and fat-tailed Kangal Akkaraman breeds

The determination of the maximum slaughter weight which will not cause a decrease in carcass quality is a very important issue to ensure optimal utilization of the meat production potential of lambs. To determine that, the slaughtering and carcass characteristics of thin-tailed Kivircik (n = 60) and fat-tailed Kangal Akkaraman (n = 59) lambs slaughtered at 20, 28, 36, 44, and 52 kg were investigated in the current study. The results of the present study indicate that the carcass quality was significantly affected by the slaughter weight (SW) in Kivircik and Kangal Akkaraman lambs. In Kivircik breed, the differences between SW-44 and SW-52 groups were not significant in terms of percentages of the valuable carcass parts (anterior rib and loin rib percentages), muscle, intermuscular fat, subcutaneous fat, and total fat proportions and muscle / fat ratio. On the other hand, when the allometric development of adipose tissue is considered, positive allometry was determined in the 52 kg SW group. Therefore, when the balance between the maximization of meat production and the production of lean meat suitable for the consumer's preferences is targeted, it is suggested that the Kivircik lambs would be fattened up to 44 kg. In Kangal Akkaraman lambs, the dressing percentage was similar in 36, 44 and 52 kg groups and the differences between SW-44 and SW-52 groups were not significant in terms of carcass length, chest width, hind limb length and chest roundness index. In addition, as the slaughter weight increased, the tail percentage significantly increased in Kangal Akkkaraman lambs. Also, while hind limb percentages of SW-44 and SW-52 groups were lower than the other groups, the SW-52 group had a higher total fat proportion and significantly lower muscle / fat ratio. When the allometric growth is considered, meat development slowed down after 36 kg in Kangal Akkaraman lambs, and the development of subcutaneous and intermuscular fats continued rapidly. Therefore, if we focus on producing as much saleable meat as possible from Kangal Akkaraman lambs without allowing excessive fat and tail accumulation, a slaughter weight of 44 kg can be recommended.

Effects of the Duration of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride Supplementation and Days on Feed on Performance, Carcass Traits and Saleable Meat Yield of Nellore Bulls.

Simple SummaryZilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) is a β-adrenergic agonist (βAA) to be feed to feedlot cattle at a rate of 8.3 mg/kg during the final 20 to 40 d of the finishing period followed by a minimum 3 d withdrawal period. This compound has the potential to increase animal performance, improve carcass weight and meat yield. Although significant information regarding the effects of duration of ZH supplementation and days on the feed of Bos taurus cattle has been provided, there is a lack of information relative to its effects on Bos indicus breeds such as Nellore cattle. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the duration of ZH supplementation and DOF on performance, carcass characteristics, and saleable meat yield of Nellore bulls. The HCW and total saleable meat yield linearly increased with the duration of ZH supplementation as well as when the length of the feedlot period increased. We recommend supplementing ZH for Nellore bulls at least for 20 days, independently of days on feed, to improve hot carcass weight, hindquarter, and saleable meat yields of Nellore bulls.This study evaluated the effects of the duration of ZH supplementation and days on feed (DOF) on performance, carcass characteristics, and saleable meat yield of Nellore young bulls. The fixed effects included the duration (0, 20, 30, or 40 d before slaughter plus a 3 d ZH withdrawal period—8.33 mg of ZH/kg of DM) and DOF (90 and 117 d). Feed efficiency (G:F) linearly increased when the duration of ZH supplementation increased (p < 0.01). Nellore bulls fed ZH had greater HCW (p < 0.01), dressing percentage (p < 0.01) and Longissimus muscle area (LMA) (p < 0.01), but less 12th-rib fat (p = 0.04) than the control group. The hot carcass weight (HCW) (p < 0.01), and dressing percentage increased linearly (p < 0.01) with the increase of duration of ZH supplementation. The HCW, ossification, and 12th-rib fat increased with DOF (p < 0.01). The ZH supplemented group had most of the individual cuts of hindquarters and total saleable meat increased compared with the control. Zilpaterol hydrochloride was effective in improving hot carcass weight, hindquarter, and saleable meat yields of Nellore bulls when fed for at least 20 d before slaughter, independently of days on feed.

People, nature and large herbivores in a shared landscape: A mixed‐method study of the ecological and social outcomes from agriculture and conservation

Abstract In this exploratory study, we employ an interdisciplinary approach to explore potential synergies and trade‐offs between the needs of people and nature in the context of agroecological farming and nature conservation. Ecological field studies and management surveys from six sites were combined with a participatory‐deliberative appraisal exercise using the Multi‐Criteria Mapping (MCM) method. All six study sites and all four land use options in the appraisal were characterised by the use of large herbivores for agricultural and/or conservation purposes, to varying degrees, and were located in South‐East England. MCM participants identified habitat and species diversity, soil health, food production, provision of education and recreational access, as the principal benefits associated with successful management of such sites. Taken overall, their appraisals indicated that a combination of land uses may be best suited to delivering these diverse benefits, but with agroecological (While organic and biodynamic agriculture are subject to legal definition, agroecology offers a more flexible approach and can be viewed as ‘a development pathway from input‐intensive industrial systems through to highly sustainable, ecological systems’—see Laughton, R. (2017) ‘A Matter of Scale’, Land Workers Alliance and Centre for Agroecology, Coventry University) farming being perceived as a particularly effective multi‐purpose option. Five of the six sites were used for recreational purposes, and in total we recorded five times more humans than wild mammals. Ecological data from the sites indicated that the most conservation‐oriented sites performed best in terms of species richness and activity (birds, mammals, bats and invertebrates) and number of species of conservation concern. However, beta diversity metrics indicated important variation in the species assemblages recorded within and between sites. Whereas both agroecological farms in our study produced the greatest weight of saleable meat per unit area, the site that produced the most meat also demonstrated consistently strong performance across many biodiversity metrics. Overall, expert perspectives and the performance of our study sites suggests that combinations of diverse approaches to the management of large herbivores, within a ‘wildlife‐friendly’ envelope, are consistent with providing for the diverse needs of people and nature within shared landscapes. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Livestock value chain: Prediction of live weight and cut yield of three indigenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria

Problems associated with prediction of saleable meat yield, price haggling and monetary worth of cattle purchased due to difficulties in accurately relating visual appearance of animals and the weight with their price have always been in existence. This study was carried out to determine the accuracy in the use of heart girth tape as an alternative to the use of weighing bridge and crush, dressing percentage and expected cut yield from three indigenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria using linear body measurement. Thus, a total number of 51 healthy and mature White Fulani (n=17), Sokoto Gudali (n=17) and Red Bororo (n=17) cattle breeds were randomly purchased from Ilesha Baruba cattle market Kwara State, Kotangora cattle market, Niger State and Akinyele cattle market, Ibadan, Oyo state and were subjected to heart girth measurements. The study lasted for 32 weeks. Live weights of animals were determined at the point of purchase using a specialized measuring tape (girth tape) calibrated in kilogram (kg) and centimeter (cm).The live weights were recorded in kilogram which was used in price negotiation at the market. The live weight of the cattle ranged from 164 – 463 kg. The mean girth tape values were White Fulani (286.53 51.06)kg, Sokoto Gudali (293.35+77.51)kg and Red Bororo 261.88+60.65)kg respectively. Post slaughtering data collected were dressing percentage, weight of head(kg),neck(kg), shanks(kg), forearm(kg), thigh(kg),skin(kg),liver(kg),heart(kg), intestine(kg)and kidney(g).The study revealed that heart girth measurement had high correlation coefficient with live weight (r=0.99, p&lt;0.001). This implies that the use of heart girth tape in weight prediction is accurate and reliable. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the dressing percentage among the breeds (43.55-46.52) %. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were observed in the cut yield percentage between Red Bororo (33.16 4.12) and other breeds but none between White Fulani (37.14 4.50)% and Sokoto Gudali (34.53 5.26)%.There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the head (13.52-13.42)kg, Neck (14.70-18.07)kg, left thigh (27.92-29.41)kg, right forearm (22.91-27.24)kg, left forearm (24.84-27.57)kg, liver (3.60 – 3.84)kg, skin (15.03 -15.39), shank (2.20-2.41)kg, tail (5.23-5.92)kg but none for right thigh, kidney and lungs among the breeds. The variations in the yield may be as a result of genetic, management, weight and age of the animals. It can be concluded that heart girth tape may be used where weighing crush is not available because of its accuracy and reliability. The study also revealed that White Fulani has higher meat yield than Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo and will therefore be more profitable to cattle sellers, abattoir centers, slaughter houses andmeat shops.

Effect of carcase characteristics and sheep breeding values on the yield of dry- and wet-aged multipurpose merino cull ewe meat

Dry-ageing of sheepmeat is a novel application, and there is an opportunity to optimise process yields through the selection of appropriate animals and or carcases for dry-ageing. The effects of carcase characteristics and sheep breeding values (post-weaning and yearling; fat depth, muscling and weight) on yields from wet- and dry-aged sheepmeat were investigated. Bone-in leg and loin primals from 96 multipurpose merino cull ewe carcasses were wet- or dry-aged for 14, 28, 42 or 56 days. The yield components’ primal moisture loss %, trim yield %, saleable meat yield % and retail cut yield % were determined. For loin and leg, dry ageing increased primal moisture loss but decreased saleable meat yield and retail cut yield compared to wet ageing (P< 0.001 for all). In addition, loin primal moisture loss reduced with increasing hot carcase weight, fat score and post weaning fat depth (P< 0.05 for all). Leg primal moisture loss reduced with increasing fat score and increased with yearling weight (P < 0.05 for all). The magnitude of dry ageing induced yield reduction (due to primal moisture loss) was found to depend on the finishing stage of the product; e.g. the dry-aged loin primal was more impacted by moisture loss than the rack retail cut fabricated from the loin. In conclusion, the association of yield with carcase characteristics and Australian sheep breeding values could be utilised to identify animals, carcasses and primals with superior dry-aged yield.

Yield measurement is valuable for pricing beef carcasses

Context The most common way of pricing beef carcasses is through a price grid. Most processors make greater profit from higher-quality carcasses, which are those with higher meat yield and eating quality. Aims The aim of this study was to calculate the value of diverse carcasses and compare pricing mechanisms on their ability to discriminate variation in meat yield and predicted eating quality. Methods Hereford cross steer carcasses (153) were boned out to record saleable meat and yield. Six methods were used to calculate carcass price (AU$/kg). All were adjusted to the same average carcass value to allow comparisons, assuming that the overall payment does not change, but comparing the effect of having greater premiums and discounts. The six prices were based on a commercial grid, grid plus eating quality premium, yield of saleable meat only (constant price for all saleable meat), yield with eating quality premium, then the yield prices with optimum (quadratic) weight and fatness penalties based on grid optimums. Key results Measurements of meat quality (eye muscle area and marble score) or saleable meat yield accounted for no variation in the grid price. However, measurement of yield accounted for substantial variation in prices calculated from yield and eating quality. Conclusions The current grids do not encourage high-quality meat production and, assuming that yield and eating quality are important to processors, an actual measurement of yield is crucial to guide processing decisions (e.g. cutting plans) to maximise carcass value and feed market signals back to beef producers. Implications Improved measurement of meat yield is required if carcass prices are to reflect carcass quality or the potential value captured.

Prediction of the Hind-Leg Muscles Weight of Yearling Dairy-Beef Steers Using Carcass Weight, Wither Height and Ultrasound Carcass Measurements

Simple SummaryCarcass classification and grading systems are typically inadequate for young cattle processed for beef production. Conformation of the hindquarter region of cattle has been used to classify and grade the whole carcass from older beef cattle. This study was initiated with the objective of providing a carcass classification and grading system based on hind-leg muscles weight. Prediction equations for the indirect prediction of saleable meat yield using hind-leg muscles weight from young dairy-origin steers were developed, and could be used for their carcass classification and grading. These equations avoid the need to isolate and track boneless subprimal cuts to establish the saleable meat yield of individual animals.Prediction equations have been widely utilized for carcass classification and grading systems in older beef cattle. However, the equations are mostly relevant for common beef breeds and 18 to 24 month old animals; there are no equations suitable for yearling, dairy-origin cattle. Therefore, this study developed prediction models using 60 dairy-origin, 8 to 12 month old steers to indicate saleable meat yield from hind-legs, which would assist with carcass classification and grading. Fat depth over the rump, rib fat depth, and eye muscle area between the 12th and 13th ribs were measured using ultrasound, and wither height was recorded one week prior to slaughter. The muscles from the hind-leg were retrieved 24 h after slaughter. Prediction equations were modeled for the hind-leg muscles weight using carcass weight, wither height, eye muscle area, rump, and rib fat depths as predictors. Carcass weight explained 61.5% of the variation in hind-leg muscles weight, and eye muscle area explained 39.9% (p < 0.05). Their combination in multivariate analysis explained 63.5% of the variation in hind-leg muscles weight. The R2 of the prediction in univariate and multivariate analyses was improved when data were analyzed per age group. Additional explanatory traits for yearling steers, including body length, hearth girth, and muscle depth and dimensions measured using video image analysis scanning (VIAscan), could improve the prediction ability of saleable meat yield from yearling dairy beef steers across the slaughter age groups.

Using 3D Imaging and Machine Learning to Predict Liveweight and Carcass Characteristics of Live Finishing Beef Cattle

Selection of finishing beef cattle for slaughter and evaluation of performance is currently achieved through visual assessment and/or by weighing through a crush. ThusConsequently, large numbers of cattle are not meeting target specification at the abattoir. Video imaging analysis (VIA) is increasingly used in abattoirs to grade carcasses with high accuracy. There is potential for three-dimensional (3D) imaging to be used on farm to predict carcass characteristics of live animals and to optimise slaughter selections. The objectives of this study were to predict liveweight (LW) and carcass characteristics of live animals using 3D imaging technology and machine learning algorithms (artificial neural networks). Three dimensional images and LW’s were passively collected from finishing steer and heifer beef cattle of a variety of breeds and sexes pre slaughter (either on farm or after entry to the abattoir lairage) using an automated camera system. Sixty potential predictor variables were automatically extracted from the live animal 3D images using bespoke algorithms; these variables included lengths, heights, widths, areas, volumes and ratios and were used to develop predictive models for liveweight and carcass characteristics. Cold carcass weights (CCW) for each animal were provided by the abattoir. Saleable meat yield (SMY) and EUROP fat and conformation grades were also determined for each individual by VIA of half of the carcass. From the 3D images, 60 potential predictor variables were automatically extracted using bespoke algorithms; these variables included lengths, heights, widths, areas, volumes and ratios. Performance of prediction models was assessed using R2 and RMSE parameters following regression of predicted and actual variables for LW (R2 = 0.7, RMSE = 42), CCW (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 14) and SMY (R2 = 0.72, RMSE = 14). The models predicted EUROP fat and conformation grades with 54% and 55% accuracy (R2), respectively. This study demonstrated that 3D imaging coupled with machine learning analytics can be used to predict LW, SMY and traditional carcass characteristics of live animals. This system presents an opportunity to reduce a considerable inefficiency in beef production enterprises through autonomous monitoring of finishing cattle on the farm and marketing of animals at the optimal time.

Multiple regression and machine learning based methods for carcass traits and saleable meat cuts prediction using non-invasive in vivo measurements in commercial lambs

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of multiple linear regression and machine learning methods to predict carcass traits and commercial meat cuts in lambs using non-invasive in vivo measurements. Bayesian networks were also investigated as an alternative method for feature selection. Phenotypes from 74 nondescript breed lambs were measured. A leave-one-out cross-validation strategy was performed and predictive ability statistics (R2, RMSE) were assessed. Moderate to high prediction accuracies were observed, with R2 values across models ranging, from 0.36 to 0.88 for carcass traits and 0.65 to 0.84 for meat cuts predictions. Results suggest that support vector machine algorithm is a potential alternative to the traditional multiple linear regression model. Further, the results of this study suggest that both stepwise and Bayesian network procedures could be useful as pre-selection tools of the input variables in non-parametric approaches and the best method for feature selection may be trait and model dependent.

A genetic evaluation of growth, ultrasound, and carcass traits at alternative slaughter endpoints in crossbred heavy lambs.

Genetic parameters were estimated for growth, ultrasound, and carcass traits in a Canadian crossbred heavy lamb population. Traits analyzed included birth, weaning, post-weaning, and ultrasound scanning weights; pre- and post-weaning average daily gain; ultrasonically measured eye muscle and fat depths; hot carcass weight; fat depth at the GR site (110 mm from the midline on the 12th rib); carcass conformation scores; saleable meat yield; price grid value; and total carcass value. The impact of three alternative slaughter endpoints (slaughter age, carcass weight, and carcass fatness) on genetic parameter estimates was also evaluated. In general, carcass traits were found to be moderately heritable, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.17 ± 0.02 for hot carcass weight at a constant slaughter age to 0.34 ± 0.02 for average carcass conformation score at a constant carcass weight. Heritability estimates were similar when observations were adjusted to alternative slaughter endpoints, but for some traits, phenotypic variance and genetic correlation estimates differed. Genetic correlations between carcass traits and growth and ultrasound traits were typically favorable. Ultrasonically measured eye muscle depth and fat depth were found to be moderately to strongly positively correlated with hot carcass weight (0.33 ± 0.15 to 0.71 ± 0.19) and fat depth at the GR site (0.38 ± 0.14 to 0.74 ± 0.12), respectively, reaffirming the usefulness of selection on ultrasound traits to improve carcass yield and quality. Genetic correlations among carcass traits were generally favorable, with the exception of moderate unfavorable positive genetic correlations between fat depth at the GR site and primal cut carcass conformation scores (0.31 ± 0.05 to 0.60 ± 0.05). Overall, the results of this research suggest that there is potential to improve carcass yield and quality through genetic selection and provides the population-specific genetic parameter estimates needed for the genetic evaluation of carcass traits in the Canadian sheep population. Nevertheless, the optimal endpoint for carcass trait genetic evaluations will need to be further investigated, considering both the current findings and additional information on production practices in the industry.

Cradle-to-cooked-edible-meat analysis of greenhouse gas emissions

This study aimed to synthesize mean cradle-to-cooked-edible-meat greenhouse gas emission factors for bovine, ovine, pig, and poultry meat through a systematic review process. 64 studies involving 42 countries/regions, published between 1997 and 2015 were identified meeting selection criteria using Cochrane search strategies. Major emission activities were identified and synthesised into a cradle-to-cooked-edible-meat lifecycle system. 270 emission factors were identified from publications and taken as baselines. 67% baseline evaluation boundaries stopped at farm-gate, only 3% at home/restaurants. Baseline emission gaps were identified by comparing baseline evaluation systems against the synthesised system. Emission factors for major activities were identified from publications and mean values were used to fill emission gaps in order to obtain the cradle-to-cooked-edible-meat emission factors, which were then grouped to obtain a mean cradle-to-cooked-edible-meat emission factor for each meat type. Mean emission factors (kg CO2-eq/kg) for adjusted cradle-to-cooked-edible-meats were: Bovine 61.3 (n = 124), Ovine 61.2 (n = 38), Pig 15.8 (n = 56) and Poultry 9.4 (n = 52), which are significantly higher than the adjusted means for carcass at regional-distribution-centre: Bovine 23.9 (n = 118), Ovine 23.3 (n = 9), Pig 5.0 (n = 51) and Poultry 3.6 (n = 45); or the adjusted means for saleable meat at retail: Bovine 32.3 (n = 122), Ovine 31.2 (n = 36), Pig 7.9 (54), and Poultry 4.2 (n = 50). This study confirmed current meat emission evaluations reflect only a fraction of dietary impacts. Emission factors for cooked-edible-meat could be three times the amount of meat commodities at farm-gate. Emission factors vary significantly within and between meat types.

Maintaining the appeal of Australian lamb to the modern consumer

Aligning the production of lamb cuts with consumer preferences is an ongoing challenge for the Australian lamb supply chain. In recent decades, genetic and on-farm management practices have improved, while the demographics of consumers and their consumption patterns have changed. This has resulted in larger traditional lamb cuts, which have less appeal to modern consumers. Therefore, research has been conducted to determine the potential to fabricate new value-added lamb cuts from heavier carcasses, determine consumer preferences for lamb roasts, investigate the impact of increasing carcass weight and fat depths on the production of value-added retail cuts and determine the nutritional composition of these cuts. In an effort to address these issues, a new value-added cut, the compact shoulder roast, was developed from the forequarter of the carcass to provide an option for retailers processing heavier lamb carcasses. A subsequent survey of consumer preferences highlighted that preferences for roast weight and size were affected by frequency of consumption, with daily consumers preferring the heaviest roasts and younger consumers preferring lighter roasts, implying the need for further fabrication, such as that required for the compact shoulder roast. However, the time taken to fabricate these value-added cuts increases with each kilo increase in carcass weight and decreasing saleable meat yield of lamb carcasses results as the degree of value-adding increases, indicating that a higher average price per kilo is required at retail. Subsequently, value-added cuts will need to be marketed on the basis of other product qualities such as nutritive value. However, profiling of lamb cuts has also shown that there is little data on the nutritive value of a range of lamb cuts, apart from the loin, so work has been undertaken to address this deficiency using grass-fed lamb through a major supply chain.

The value of objective online measurement technology: Australian red meat processor perspective

In the past, the adoption of online measurement technologies for measuring carcass and meat quality traits objectively has been low among Australian red meat processors. The aim of the present work was to obtain a greater understanding of Australian processor views on the value of objective online measurement technologies. This was achieved through consultation with 65 Australian processors, to understand which carcass and meat quality traits they considered important to objectively measure and what they thought of current and future technologies. It was shown that beef processors ranked meat colour and tenderness as the most important traits (P &lt; 0.001) to objectively measure online. Sheep processors ranked tenderness, pH, age, meat colour, total tissue depth at the 12th rib 110 mm from the midline (GR) and saleable meat yield percentage as the most important traits (P &lt; 0.001) to objectively measure online. The overall processor responses indicated that there is support for online measurement technologies, with 80% of processors stating that online objective grading systems have a role in the Australian meat processing sector now and 88% considered these to have a role in the future. Much can be learned from the implementation of previous online objective measurement technologies by processors in terms of commercialisation and adoption strategies. The development and adoption of objective online measurement technologies is challenging and complex. However, increased adoption of online measurement technologies has the potential to achieve benefits to the whole of industry and needs continued support, coupled with new approaches to enhance adoption.