AUSTRALIA

New intramuscular fat measurement technology available to sheep industry

Intramuscular fat (IMF%) scoring is a key factor in determining the eating quality of red meat as it correlates with increased perception of juiciness, flavour and overall liking by consumers, informs Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Posted on Apr 03 ,00:05

New intramuscular fat measurement technology available to sheep industry

Measuring IMF% in lamb carcases has only recently become a reality, but survey findings prove there’s a need for it - consumers say they’ll pay a premium price for high quality meat.

Chasing this market, MLA partnered with the University of Adelaide and SA company Miniprobes to develop a unique device that measures IMF% through a miniaturised needle scanner.

Installations of the device are set to begin at some SA red meat processing plants this year.  

Big things come in small packages

Rob McLaughlin, Miniprobes Managing Director, said the technology derives from optical coherence tomography (OCT) which is commonly used to achieve medical imaging of the eye and heart in humans.

"By miniaturising the scanner head and putting it inside a needle that can be inserted into muscle, we’re able to acquire a higher resolution of the meat’s structure and better visualisation on small traces of intramuscular fat", he said.

"MLA has supported the development of this device all the way from its initial early-stage concept, through to its validation during trials at several commercial meat processing plants.

"Now, we’re continuing to work with MLA to commercialise the device and begin its first installations at South Australian processing plants".

The first on-site scanners will then undergo testing to gain AUS-MEAT accreditation for measuring IMF% in hot lamb carcases.

Rob is confident that accreditation will be granted, as trial results to date have shown the device to easily exceed the AUS-MEAT requirements, with an average absolute error < 0.9%.

Benefits to the industry

Measuring IMF% enables meat processors to differentiate their products based on eating quality – encouraging a more accurate pricing system for products to be implemented.

According to Jack Cook, MLA’s Supply Chain Technology Project Manager, some early adopter processors have begun to install devices to measure IMF% and are evaluating branding strategies.

"By processors adopting these technologies and segregating brands based on quality, it creates the opportunity for producers to receive a premium for high-quality lamb", Jack said.

"The Miniprobes scanner can also enable critical feedback to producers that will guide breeding and husbandry decisions".

The next steps

Following the first commercial installation and AUS-MEAT accreditation trials, Jack said MLA is supporting the University of Adelaide and Miniprobes in branching out to adapt the technology for the beef industry.

The Miniprobes and University of Adelaide projects are also being supported through federal government grant programs, namely the Australian Research Council (ARC), Cooperative Research Centres projects (CRC-P) and the SA Government Department of State Development, to help to initiative continue to progress.

 NEWSLETTER - Stay informed with the latest news!

Comments





Similar articles

DENMARK

Danish innovation meets the global meat processing industry at IFFA 2025

When IFFA 2025 gathers the most important stakeholders and companies in the meat and alternative ...


Read more Read more
BRAZIL

JBT Marel confirms participation and starts new category of exhibitors at SIAVS

The new SIAVS exhibitor's membership was made official at a meeting attended by the president of ...


Read more Read more
INTERNATIONAL

RAPS: New Mediterranean flavour just in time for barbecue season

Just in time for barbecue season, RAPS has added Magic Kebab Style to its extensive ran...


Read more Read more
Websolutions by Angular Software and SpiderClass