Real-Time Meat Eating Quality Probe: Technology Refinement and Commercialisation
Did you know that a hyperspectral needle probe has been developed to estimate IMF in lamb and marble score in beef?
| Project start date: | 27 June 2018 |
| Project end date: | 27 February 2022 |
| Publication date: | 21 July 2022 |
| Project status: | Completed |
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Summary
The project supported MEQ Probe to develop their technology to achieve an industry applicable accuracy and precision to estimate intramuscular fat percent in lamb and marble score in beef. In both species this was achieved in hot carcases thereby enabling new quality grading and processing efficiencies, and enhanced feedback to producers.
Objectives
The project supported MEQ Probe to further develop, refine and fabricate a robust and ergonomic meat eating quality assessment probe to predict marble score in beef, and IMF% in lamb in carcases; and for the probe to be scalable to processing chain speed requirements and be fit-for-purpose to use in abattoirs.
Key findings
MEQ Probe has built a system that has demonstrated it can be used in a commercial processing environment and operate at chain speed. The technology has achieved commercially acceptable accuracy and functionality. The Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee has granted conditional AUS-MEAT accreditation to measure IMF% in hot lamb carcases and MSA marble score in hot beef carcases.
Benefits to industry
The MEQ Probe is a world-first for the red meat industry as it enables estimation of IMF% in lamb and marble score in beef in hot uncut carcases. For lamb this provides quality grading and branding opportunities that have not previously existed. Importantly, the ability to estimate of IMF% enables the Meat Standards Australia program to implement a cut-by-cook method grading model for lamb and sheepmeat.
For beef, estimation of marble score pre-chilling provides opportunities to investigate preliminary hot grading to deliver grading, chiller management, processing and market efficiencies.
MLA action
MLA continues to support MEQ Probe to improve their estimations of IMF% and marble score, prepare for future accreditation trails and investigate potential for additional traits.
Future research
MEQ Probe will continue to improve the trait ranges and precision and accuracy of estimations with the intent of expanding current accreditations, and seeking to seek new accreditations.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Richard Apps |
