V.TEC.1730 - Intramuscular Fat Measurement for Live Sheep

Summary

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) tools have been used to measure Intramuscular Fat (IMF) in carcases, and this project was undertaken to determine if the same technology could be used to measure IMF in live sheep.
Measuring IMF in live animals can assist with developing eating quality characteristics as part of genomic work in the industry. IMF is one of three characteristics currently being used for MSA grading of sheep and if IMF can be measured, managed and developed early in the supply chain then better outcomes can be achieved for processing and branding high IMF (better eating quality) product.

Objectives

The overall objective of the project is to test a lamb Marbl™ sensor system for the purpose of obtaining live sheep IMF data.

The results of the trial work suggests that with the right materials handling equipment combined with correct positioning of the Marbl™ sensor, it is possible to reasonably accurately measure IMF in live sheep.

Key findings

With good animal handling equipment and accurate positioning of the Marbl™ sensor, measurement of IMF in live sheep is possible and at a sufficient throughput to make the technology viable.

Benefits to industry

Benefits to the industry include development and confirmation of the genomics around IMF and eating quality. Also if IMF can be identified early in the supply chain, premium products can be developed and processed more effectively."

MLA action

MLA plans to partner with the developer to progress a prototype commercial system to further validate the performance of the technology.

Future research

Based on the results it is recommended that a prototype commercial system be developed to prove the animal handling and to validate the measurements against best practice. A specific smaller system could also be developed purely to enable research in genomics and IMF/eating quality.