Lean Meat Yield Percentage (LMY%)
Lean Meat Yield Percentage (LMY%):
The Lean Meat Yield Percentage (LMY%) is the proportion of meat recovered from a carcase – a key driver of profitability.
myFeedback provides a predicted LMY% for sheep carcases, as well as beef carcases that have been through MSA grading, based on several carcase measurements. This algorithm was formed as a part of the objective carcase measurement research by MLA.
Why is LMY% important?
LMY% is a key profitability driver, the kilos count! Producers can use LMY% feedback to inform decisions on yield estimated breeding values, growth rates and weight targets.
What are some of the alternate methods of measuring LMY%?
MLA has invested significantly in objective carcase measurement. One of the key outcomes of this research was the use of DEXA for measuring LMY%.
myFeedback has a predictive algorithm that describes the LMY% for sheep and MSA-graded beef carcases. LMY% is the proportion of a carcase that is lean meat (muscle), expressed as a percentage. The LMY% of a carcase is a standard way to assess the composition of a carcase and does not change depending on the cutting specifications used to market the carcase.
LMY% is calculated differently for sheep and beef. For sheep, LMY% is predicted using hot standard carcase weight (HSCW) and knife GR tissue depth. The higher the HSCW and the lower the GR value the higher the LMY%. The algorithm for beef LMY% is calculated using HSCW, rib fat depth and, in some cases, eye muscle area (EMA). For this reason, only MSA-graded carcases have LMY% displayed in myFeedback. The higher the HSCW and the lower the rib fat depth (and where EMA is used, the larger the EMA), the higher the LMY%.
Processors may use different systems to determine LMY% but these systems have all been calibrated against a CT scan – the gold standard system to measure LMY%. This allows processors and producers to compare carcases in a standard way. As more technology is introduced, greater precision and accuracy of measurement will be achieved.
The quantity of lean meat recovered from a carcase is a key profit driver for the beef and sheepmeat industries. However, there is a negative correlation between LMY% and eating quality (the other key profit driver). It is critical producers balance the traits contributing to both measures for an optimum outcome. Producers can manage LMY% through key on-farm practices such as nutrition and genetic selection. Providing information about LMY% in myFeedback means producers can make better informed management decisions to maximise carcase value in the future.
