New carcase information now available
24 May 2018
The Livestock Data Link app has two new features to help beef producers maximise carcase value and improve genetic gain.
The Integrity Systems Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MLA, created Livestock Data Link to allow producers to efficiently receive, analyse and compare carcase results for compliance, animal health information and more.
The new functionalities are:
1. Predictive lean meat yield (LMY)
“LMY is the percentage of meat recovered from a carcase and so is a key driver of profitability for beef producers, processors and retailers,” Integrity Systems Company’s CEO Dr Jane Weatherley said.
Available for sheep producers and processors through Livestock Data Link since 2015, it is already used by around 8,000 sheep producers and will be available on all MSA graded beef carcases.
The predictive beef LMY is based on hot standard carcase weight, MSA graded rib fat depth and, where available, eye muscle area.
Jane said it was important producers look at the MSA index, which indicates predicted eating quality, as well as the LMY measure.
“Because beef carcases with higher LMY have more muscle and less fat, there is generally a negative relationship between LMY and the MSA index,” she said.
“Nutrition and genetics impact both LMY and eating quality, so producers can use feedback about them to inform management decisions and maximise carcase value.”
2. Tracing breeders
This feature enables breeders to access information about animals they have bred but not directly consigned to the processor. Already available to NSW and Victorian producers, it will now be rolled out to producers in all states.
“This is a significant step forward in how feedback is shared across the supply chain,” Jane said.
“Previously LDL only released data to the Property Identification Code (PIC) from which animals were consigned. The new breeder report provides carcase feedback to the breeder’s PIC as identified via the NLIS tag."
The Integrity Systems Company is also working to include beef animal health data in Livestock Data Link. A proof of concept project involving JBS Brooklyn, Wingham Beef Exports and Northern Cooperative Meat Company is underway.
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