TEYS beef DEXA supply chain grading - LMY (Stage 1)

Summary

​A prototype DEXA system was purpose-built in a shipping container ('DEXA-in-a-box' aka DIAB) to enable mobility and capacity to seamlessly modify the x-ray imaging hardware without interrupting abattoir processing. This DEXA system demonstrated good potential for predicting CT composition. When predicting specifically within the forequarter and hindquarter regions, the precision was similar to whole carcase levels in the forequarter, but reduced in the hindquarter, describing about 10% less of the variation in composition.
The processing factors of spray-chilling or variation in carcase orientation had little impact on the DEXA prediction of composition. This suggests that this measurement will be robust within abattoir environments, and this coupled with its precision indicate that it is highly relevant for adoption by industry for the measurement of lean meat yield.
The device can continue to be used as a research tool, and also offers ongoing industry value creating awareness, training, and demonstrating this revolutionary technology during industry field days and open days.