DATA EXTENDED OCM BENEFITS AND TRANSPORTABILITY FOR CUTTING BEEF

Summary

​The objective of this project is to determine if there is reliable correlation, for DEXA X-ray scanning data, between isolated locations within the processing chain. This could potentially provide processors an option to conduct X-ray scanning in the most appropriate location, for the process, while not compromising the cutting determination function.  A positive outcome offers a reduced outlay of capital for the DEXA technology and therefore opens the door for a greater uptake of DEXA technology.

In the case of Lamb processing, trials were conducted by scanning a carcase before it enters the chiller. These hot carcasses are therefore in a pre-rigour state, the carcases then undergo shrinkage as they become chilled. This shrinkage introduces a dimensional variable which needs to be accounted for when the cut determination is derived. Another significant difficulty, with pre-rigour carcases, is to keep the carcases stable while being scanned by the DEXA X-ray. Where stable scans were produced, with the assistance of stabilisation and restricted chain speed, a recognisable pattern of the carcase relaxing followed by contraction was observed. This indicated that a small adjustment could be made to the cutting calculations if hot DEXA data is to be transferred to drive the downstream cutting systems.

Beef DEXA was also trialled to investigate the transportability of scanning, in this case an image of a beef carcase was taken before scribing and grading cuts were performed. The carcase is deformed as a result of these cuts made. Using vision systems and the scanned image we then attempted to re-fix an identifiable point on this carcase. This refixing will allow an automated processing system to calculate adjustments and prove the transportability of DEXA derived coordinates.

The practical aspects of DEXA scanning, to provide an objective carcase composition, was also explored as a part of this project.  This full carcase scanning is understood to provide a more accurate carcase composition estimate, than a tissue depth measurement taken at the GR site. The existing algorithm, installed in DEXA production units, calculates a whole carcase Lean Meat Yield (LMY) value. Subsequently an updated general model has now been written with segmented LMY values, based on studies completed by Murdoch University. Scott Technology has been provided these newer calculations, these have been added to the DEXA software to predict and display apportioned LMY values for the forequarter, saddle and hindquarter.  These new outputs are displayed in real-time at the point of scanning. The availability of this real-time data does open an opportunity for processors to optimise carcase returns.

Another advantage, of using the DEXA output to provide objective carcase values, is to directly calculate saleable meat yields. For this study we have used the industry standard Lamb Value calculator and input the DEXA generated LMY value and hot carcase weight, to predict a carcase value in real time.