P.PIP.0754 - Frewstal – DEXA Lamb Objective Measurement Yield
Did you know that dual energy x-ray (DEXA) can determine carcase composition as lean, fat and bone percentage to provide carcase lean meat yield?
| Project start date: | 01 March 2019 |
| Project end date: | 30 December 2031 |
| Publication date: | 01 November 2023 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
Summary
This project supported the installation, on-site calibration and integration of a DEXA carcase x-ray system at the Frew Foods International lamb abattoir.
Objectives
The objective of this project was to support the installation of a lamb DEXA at the end of the hot chain to inform chiller sortation, boning room efficiency, enhanced producer feedback value-based trading.
Key findings
Installation of a DEXA x-ray system is a significant undertaking that requires extensive pre-project planning, a dedicated implementation team and project champion. On-site calibration and real-time image calibration are required to ensure calibration accuracy is maintained over time. Integration of DEXA data with plant data systems should be scoped in detail pre-project as each site will likely have unique requirements to de addressed to enable effective use of the DEXA data.
Benefits to industry
DEXA provides carcase composition and carcase lean meat yield. Lean meat yield can be used to inform on-farm genetic and management decisions, provide the carcase yield input required for a processor to implement the cuts-based MSA sheepmeat model, inform value-base trading models, optimise carcase-to-market allocations and boning room efficiency.
MLA action
MLA continues to support the development of DEXA for carcase composition measurement, carcase grading, new value-based trading models and automation.
Future research
Future research should focus on continuous improvement of the carcase composition algorithm, development of regional algorithm to output fore, middle and hind lean, fat and bone percentage, and the potential for DEXA to output fat score.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Darryl Heidke |
