P.PSH.1449 - Application of Marbl™ to Live Cattle IMF Measurement - Proof of Concept
It is now possible to measure IMF in live cattle in a commercial environment.
| Project start date: | 01 March 2023 |
| Project end date: | 15 November 2024 |
| Publication date: | 12 November 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Intramuscular fat (IMF) and marble scores are key value drivers in the beef industry; however, these are unknown until post-slaughter, leaving much uncertainty for producers and processors. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology was recently proven capable of measuring IMF content in hot lamb carcases at the end of the slaughter floor. NMR is a non-invasive method related to medical MRI making it a good prospect for live animal IMF measurements. This project tests whether NMR technology and an animal handling unit can be developed for measuring IMF of live cattle. A prototype NMR system was designed, built, and installed at an Australian research feedlot. Hundreds of cattle were scanned and then reference samples were collected post slaughter. Data from this project show the system has excellent potential to measure IMF in live cattle. Key benefits to industry include: understanding production over time (marbling, yield, weight gain, etc.); optimising production operations based on IMF data; better product allocation through more accurate sales forecasting; performance prediction early in production; sustainability impacts; and informed feeding regimens.
Objectives
The objectives of the project were:
• design, build and test a proof-of-concept prototype Marbl™ sensor
• evaluate a prototype sensor integrated into an animal handling crush for measurement of IMF% in live cattle
• evaluate pre-commercial IMF% measurement protocols
• preliminarily analyse and review correlations of NMR datasets with AUSMEAT marbling score and independent IMF% measurements
• evaluate animal response and behavioural considerations for making such measurements.
Key findings
We successfully installed an NMR device in a feedlot. Over the duration of the trials, iterative improvements contributed to successfully measuring IMF in live cattle. The NMR system was able to accommodate a large range of cattle breeds and sizes. Long delays between scanning and slaughter have hindered analyses of data and iterative development in IMF prediction. A small data subset shows the system has excellent potential to measure IMF in live cattle.
Benefits to industry
Key benefits to industry include:
• understanding IMF production over time (marbling, yield, weight gain etc.) and optimising operations based on this data
• better product allocation through more accurate sales forecasting
• performance prediction early in production (induction and backgrounding included)
• feedback to producers directly from feedlot rather than tracking back from the processor
• estimated breeding value IMF contribution measured directly rather than from sires
• sustainability impacts by removing under performers resulting in:
o less methane production for same meat output
o fewer resources needed
o less waste
o more efficient processing, where high fat cover requires more energy to chill.
MLA action
Promoting findings of project to industry and identify partners for future phases of work to continue device development and adoption.
Future research
• establish methods for collecting consistent high-quality data
• more NMR measurements on a range of cattle to validate a robust IMF% prediction model
• faster and iterative application development.
More information
| Project manager: | Jack Cook |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Inmr Measure Limited |
