Nondestructive estimation of beef carcass yield using digital image analysis

Deep learning feature extraction for image-based beef carcass yield estimation

This study compared carcass yield and cutout value of conventional beef and dairy cattle to high-yielding (HY) and low-yielding (LY) crossbred beef × dairy cattle and identified the contribution of carcass regions to carcass yield andcutout value among beef × dairy crossbreds. Carcasses of conventional beef, beef × dairy crossbred, and dairy cattle were selected according to industry-average slaughter endpoints for their cattle type. Carcasses were fabricated at a commercial processing facility, and weights of carcass components were obtained. Post hoc subsampling was used to segregate HY and LY beef × dairy crossbreds based on subprimal yield. Multiple linear regression was used to assess carcass yield and sub-primal cutout value between the 4 cattle types (n=21 to 26 per cattle type). Beef cattle and HY crossbreds produced 1.59 to 3.04 percentage units greater (P<0.05) subprimal yield than LY crossbreds and dairy cattle. Dairy cattle produced at least 1.16 percentage units more (P<0.05) bone than any other cattle type. Subprimal to bone was not different (P>0.05) between HY crossbreds and beef cattle, and subprimal to fat was lesser (P<0.05) in HY crossbreds than beef cattle. Subprimal cutout value was more than 5 US dollars (USD)/45.4 kg different (P<0.05) between cattle types, which were ranked HY crossbreds > beef cattle > LY crossbreds > dairy cattle. In beef × dairy cattle, subprimal to bone in the round contributed most greatly to an increase (P=0.02), by 3.79 USD/45.4 kg, in subprimal cutout value. Together, these results suggested carcass value of beef × dairy cattle may be maximized when cattle are harvested at a lesser overall fatness than conventional beef cattle and when considerable muscling, especially in the round, is achieved.

An experiment at the Pastoral Research Institute, Hamilton, compared the carcass composition and yield of one group of 14 Hereford steers, and four groups of 14 heifers, either spayed, fitted with an intravaginal device, pregnant or entire. The animals were slaughtered at 18 or 22 months when average fat depths and carcass weights were 5.8 mm and 188.0 kg, or 7.5 mm and 219 kg, respectively. When compared at a constant carcass weight, the steers generally had heavier boneless primary cuts, with less fat than the heifers (P<0. 05). Steers also had less channel and kidney fat, subcutaneous fat, intra-muscular and inter-muscular fat and consequently less total fat than heifers (P<.05) . Differences between heifer groups were generally small and non-significant. When compared at the same age, differences between heifers and steers in carcass fatness were generally not significant (P>0. 05) but trends similar to those described above were apparent. Estimated yield of carcass beef (muscle plus saleable fat) was affected by sex, fat depth and level of fat specified in the carcass beef. When lean carcass beef (1 5% fat) was specified, steers yielded about 3.8% more than heifers at the same weight and fat depth, but when fatter carcass beef (20% fat) was specified, this difference was reduced to about 3.2%. Removal of channel and kidney fat from the carcass brought the yield of steer and heifer carcasses to within about 3.0% of each other.

Analysis of Production and Reproductive Indicators of Rabbit of Saris Giant Breed

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the beef yield equations currently used in North America and the potential use of the Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology to predict either total or saleable yield of beef carcasses. Materials and MethodsA total of 316 left carcass sides over a wide range of weight (192 to 453 kg) and backfat thickness (1 to 29 mm) were fabricated into primal and retail cuts. Carcass break points were identified following Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) for Fresh Beef Products, Series 100. The primals collected from the left fabricated carcass side were the chuck (IMPS #113), rib (IMPS #103), brisket (IMPS #118), flank (IMPS #193, non-trimmed), foreshank (IMPS #117), loin (IMPS #172A), round (IMPS #158A) and plate (IMPS #121) primal cuts. All the cuts were scanned with an iDXA unit (GE Lunar Prodigy Advance, General Electric, Madison, WI) and then for the chuck, rib, loin and round, broken into closely trimmed retail cuts. Cuts were then fully dissected into fat [subcutaneous (SQ), intermuscular (IM) and body cavity (BC)], lean and bone and weighed. ResultsRegressing total lean meat yield predicted using the Canadian grade ruler versus dissected total lean meat yield resulted in an R² of 0.56 (i.e., the equation predicted 56% of the variation). Regressing USDA calculated meat yield estimation (saleable yield) versus actual saleable yield of the boneless, closely trimmed round, loin, rib and chuck retail cuts resulted in an R² of 0.34. Regressing total lean meat yield versus saleable meat yield yielded a moderate R² (0.63). DXA was able to accurately predict total lean and total fat content in the carcass (R² = 0.98) using partial least squares regression (PLSR). Predictions of saleable yield for each of the four major primals, using DXA technology were slightly lower (R² ranged from 0.70 to 0.87) than those for total carcass lean and fat estimations. ConclusionAccurate prediction of beef yield is required to provide fair settlements for producers, and to help guide genetic improvements. This database provides important knowledge regarding the prediction accuracy and relationships between total lean meat yield and saleable meat yield necessary to support North American grade harmonization. In addition, DEXA technology may have the potential to estimate beef carcass traits such as total or saleable yield performance.

This study aimed to assess the effect of stocking density of 10, 12, 14, and 16 birds m?2 on performance, carcass and cut yields, productivity, and bone development of broiler chickens Cobb 500®. The experimental design was completely randomized design with four treatments (stocking densities) and four replications. The assessments were performed weekly at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. The best live weight result was found at a density of 10 birds m?2 in the period from 1 to 7 days. No effect of density was observed on feed intake and weight gain. From 1 to 14 days, the best live weights were found at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2, in addition to a higher feed intake at densities of 10 and 12 birds m?2. Weight gain was better at a density of 10 birds m?2, showing no differences from densities of 12 and 14 birds m?2. In the period from 1 to 21 days, live weight and weight gain were higher at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2. The highest feed intake was observed at a density of 10 birds m?2, which showed no difference from the density of 14 birds m?2. A difference (P < 0.05) was observed for live weight, weight gain, and feed intake of animals reared at densities of 10, 12, and 14 birds m?2 for the phases from 1 to 35 days and the total phase from 1 to 42 days of bird age when compared to 16 birds m?2, which presented lower performance. However, feed conversion of 1-7, 1-14, 1-21, 1-35, and 1-42 days and carcass and cut characteristics showed no significant differences for all treatments. On the other hand, productivity was higher in the treatments with 14 and 16 birds m?2, but without difference between each other. No interaction (P > 0.05) was observed between stocking density and age for the assessed bone parameters. Similarly, no difference (P > 0.05) was observed for bone development of broiler chickens reared at different stocking densities for the studied parameters. Thus, the increased density of 10 or 12 birds m?2 to 14 birds m?2 has no influence on zootechnical performance, carcass and cut yields, and bone development, but increases broiler chicken productivity reared in a conventional shed without air conditioning.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of a new bacterial phytase (HiPhorius, DSM Nutritional Products) on the performance and carcass characteristics of pigs in the nursery and finishing phases. Barrows and gilts (n = 250, 21 d-old and initial body weight (BW) = 6.07 ± 0.73 kg were randomized in blocks design and submitted to 5 treatments. The pigs were fed five corn-soybean meal-based diets: positive control (PC), supplemented with inorganic phosphorus and calcium; negative control (NC), with 0.18% reduction in available phosphorus and 0.16% in calcium; and three NC diets supplemented with 600, 1,200 and 1,800 phytase units (FYT)/kg in the feed. Daily BW (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion rate (FCR), and BW were measured at the end of each phase: pre-starter I (21-28d), pre-starter II (28-35d), starter I (35-49d), starter II (49-63d), growing I (63-91d), growing II (91-112d), finishing I (112-133d) and finishing II (133-156d) phases. Carcass yield, back fat height, loin depth, and lean meat yield were measured in the 156 d-old. Data were submitted to ANOVA, Tukey test and regression analysis. In the nursery (21-63d) diets with phytase levels were similar to PC for FCR (P >0.05) and better to NC, with a quadratic effect (FCR = 1.671 - 0.0003X + 0.00000010526X2), being the best point 1,320 (FYT). The supplementation with phytase in grow-finishing phases (63 -156 d) were similar to PC (P > 0.05) for DWG, DFI and FCR (P < 0.05) and better than NC, which were identified a regression effect (DWG = 0.8543 + 0.0001X; DFI = 2.1453 + 0.0007X - 0.00000029618X2; FCR = 2.6924 - 0.0004X + 0.00000012768X2), with the best levels of phytase of 1,296 and 1,404 FYT for DFI and FCR, respectively. The supplementation of phytase improved the carcass yield, loin depth, kilogram of lean meat and percentage of lean meat when compared with NC diet. Supplementing levels of HiPhorius to a corn and soybean meal-based diet with inorganic P and Ca reduction improved performance and carcass traits of pigs after weaning until slaughter age.

The impact of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on carcass yield, composition, and tenderness was evaluated using 384 beef steers in a randomized complete block design. Main effects were the addition of 0 or 8.3 mg/kg of ZH for the final 20 d of feeding and each inclusion level was paired with withdrawal periods of 3, 10, 17, or 24 d. The 2 animals with BW closest to the pen average were selected for carcass fabrication to determine carcass yield, composition, and tenderness. The carcasses from animals fed ZH had greater (P = 0.008) individual side weights. Carcass fat determinations were unchanged (P = 0.70) by ZH. Weights of the strip loin (P = 0.01), peeled tenderloin (P = 0.02), and top sirloin butt (P < 0.001) were all improved with ZH. When expressed as a proportion of carcass weight, ZH increased percentage of carcass in the top sirloin butt (P = 0.006), bottom sirloin tri-tip (P = 0.02), top inside round (P = 0.002), bottom round flat (P = 0.001), and flank steak (P = 0.02). A longer withdrawal time (WT) increased (P < 0.001) carcass weights. Shoulder clod weights were greatest (P < 0.001) with 17-d WT from ZH, whereas chuck roll weights were greatest (P = 0.02) at 17 and 24 d of WT. Peeled tenderloins, top sirloin butts, and eye of rounds responded to WT, with increased (P < 0.001) weights seen at 10 d of WT as compared with all other WT. Shear force values were greater at each of the 3 aging times, 7 d (P < 0.001), 14 d (P < 0.001), and 21 d (P = 0.003), in steaks from ZH-fed steers compared with control steers. Protein percentages were greater in ZH steaks (P = 0.03) and ZH ground beef trim (P < 0.001). Percent moisture was increased (P < 0.001) in strip loin steaks at 3 and 10 d WT. Ground beef trim had an increase (P = 0.04) in percent moisture and a decrease (P = 0.01) in percent fat at 10 d WT. Carcass weights and yields were improved with ZH feeding and may continue to improve even up to 10 d after withdrawal of the supplement. Tenderness was slightly reduced with ZH supplementation but was unaffected by WT. Zilpaterol hydrochloride can be a valuable supplement to finishing beef steers to improve carcass lean yields and composition.

Quantifying the effects of genetic selection and genetic variation for body size, carcass composition, and meat quality in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

A avaliação do uso de farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado (FGMD) na alimentação de suínos foi realizada por meio de dois experimentos. O primeiro experimento foi representado por um teste de digestibilidade, utilizando-se dois tratamentos e quatro repetições. Foram utilizados oito animais, alojados em gaiolas de estudos metabólicos por 12 dias e submetidos ao método de coleta total de fezes e urina. No segundo experimento, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho nas fases de crescimento I (20-50 kg de peso vivo), crescimento II (50-80 kg de peso vivo) e terminação (80-100 kg de peso vivo). Foram utilizados 48 animais, 24 machos castrados e 24 fêmeas, mestiços, com 61±2,2 dias. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições (dois animais/repetição). Os tratamentos caracterizaram-se pela inclusão de 0, 10, 20 e 30% de FGMD nas rações. Ao abate, as carcaças foram tipificadas e a espessura de toucinho, a profundidade do músculo dorsal, o rendimento de carcaça, quilograma de carne magra na carcaça e a porcentagem de carne magra na carcaça, avaliados. Foi realizada também análise econômica dos tratamentos empregados. Os valores de energia digestível e de energia metabolizável do FGMD foram de 2.097 e 2.078 kcal/kg, respectivamente. A inclusão do FGDM resultou em redução linear do consumo diário de ração (Y=2,80335-0,01709X) e da conversão alimentar (Y=2,788-0,0132383X), na fase de crescimento II, e do consumo diário de ração (Y=3,02077-0,0193317X), na fase de terminação. Não se observou diferença em relação ao ganho diário de peso e as características de carcaça. Os índices econômicos não foram influenciados pelos níveis de inclusão de FGMD. O FGMD pode ser incluído em rações de suínos em crescimento e terminação até 30%.

Field experience with surgical castration with anaesthesia, analgesia, immunocastration and production of entire male pigs: performance, carcass traits and boar taint prevalence

We used 50 kg as the average weight for kangaroos and not 19 kg as in table 2. This is an error in the table but not in our calculations. Published kangaroo weights range widely, perhaps because there is marked sexual and species dimorphism and because kangaroos, especially males, grow throughout most of their lives (Dawson 1995). In settling on a 50 kg average we referred to the following weight ranges for the larger, harvested species of kangaroos; for males 90–60 kg (Dawson 1995) and 78–28 kg (Wilson & Read 2003); and for females 40–23 kg (Dawson 1995), 27–16 kg (Wilson & Read 2003), and 23–19 kg (Kempton et al. 1976). Even if a 50-kg weight is high, overestimating it does not affect the conclusions. This is because the model manages the population during the transition to 2020 to take a high proportion of males, which will increase the average weight of harvested kangaroos and allow a greater proportion to be harvested. There is also scope for discussion about the size of sheep and cattle carcasses from the rangelands, the amount of meat they produce and its value. All are subject to environmental and market variation. Regardless, we stand by the estimate of an average 33 kg carcass from a 50-kg live kangaroo and the comparisons between cattle and kangaroos carcass weights as a proportion of live weight. We had decided that the personal communication of 19 kg average weight reported by Grigg (2002) was too low. Russell (1999) himself refers to kangaroo weights of 65 (male) and 25 (female) kg, giving an average of 45 kg. In concluding that 120 kangaroo carcasses equal one beef carcass, Russell (2008) asserts that the carcass yield of useable meat is higher for cattle than kangaroos. Our article does not discuss the relative boning-out percentages; however, studies on carcass composition and kangaroo anatomy reveal the opposite. Hopwood (1976) found that kangaroo carcasses yield approximately 79% muscle, which is higher than the 60–70% for beef quoted by Russell (2008). Hopwood et al. (1976) compared kangaroos and sheep and concluded that the “body composition of a kangaroo is a highly desirable one for a meat animal. Carcass fat is negligible and muscle mass is concentrated in the region of the loin, rump, and thigh increasing the percentage of high value muscle in the carcass.” Further, Russell (2008) refers to Kelly's (2005)“1.5 kg each of prime cuts;” this means that Russell discards all but the premium cuts from kangaroos; however, he does not do the same for cattle. He classifies all other kangaroo meat as “processed meat” whereas for cattle he uses the phrase “cuts or mince” to combine prime and processed meat from cattle. Russell (2008) notes that sheep numbers declined since 1990 but kangaroo numbers did not increase. However, he omits to refer to the rise in cattle. From 1990 to 2006, cattle have increased from 23.1 to 28.8 million (ABS 1992; 2008), while Australian sheep and lamb populations declined over that period from 170.3 to 92.7 million (ABS 1992; 2008). Using the same dry sheep equivalents (DSE) that were used in Wilson & Edwards (2008), the reduction of sheep creates 78 million DSE. The rise in cattle takes up 88% of this DSE and so accounts for much of the pasture made available from the decline in sheep. The decline in sheep numbers was a result of a reduction in the profitability of the wool industry. Many wool farmers adjusted by expanding other sectors such as cattle and cropping. So the decline in sheep numbers does not mean that pastures were made available to kangaroos. The expansion of other sectors may even have reduced kangaroo's access to pasture. Editor : Dr. Corey Bradshaw

Meat production and quality traits in beef cattle are largely affected by genetic factors. Acetyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase-α (ACACA) plays a key role in the regulation and metabolism of fatty acid biosynthesis in mammalian animals. The gene encoding ACACA enzyme was chosen as a candidate gene for carcass and meat traits. In this study, we investigated effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ACACA gene on beef carcass and meat traits in Hanwoo (Korean cattle) populations. We have sequenced a fragment of intron I region of the Hanwoo ACACA gene and identified two SNPs. Genotyping of the two SNP markers (g.2344T>C and g.2447C>A) was carried out using PCR-SSCP analysis in 309 Hanwoo steers to evaluate their association with carcass and meat production traits. The g.2344C SNP marker showed a significant increasing effect on LW (p = 0.009) and CW (p = 0.017). Animals with the CC genotype had higher CW and LW compared with TT and TC genotypes (p C and g.2447C>A in the LD analysis, four major haplotype classes were formed with two SNP information within the ACACA gene. We constructed haplotypes using the HaploView software package program and analyzed association between haplotypes and carcass traits. The haplotype of ACACA gene significantly affected the LW (p = 0.027), CW (p = 0.041) and MC (p = 0.036). The effect of h1 haplotype on LW and CW was larger than that of h3 haplotype. Animals with the h1 haplotype also had greater MC than did animals with h2 haplotype. Consequently, the ACACA gene could be useful as a DNA marker for meat production traits such as carcass yield and meat contents in Hanwoo. (Key

This study was conducted to determine the ability of additional ultrasound measures to enhance the prediction accuracy of retail product and trimmable fat yields based on weight and percentage. Thirty-two Hereford-sired steers were ultrasonically measured for 12th-rib fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, rump fat thickness, and gluteus medius depth immediately before slaughter. Chilled carcasses were evaluated for USDA yield grade factors and then fabricated into closely trimmed, boneless subprimals with 0.32 cm s.c. fat. The kilogram weight of end-point product included the weight of trimmed, boneless subprimals plus lean trim weights, chemically adjusted to 20% fat, whereas the fat included the weight of trimmed fat plus the weight of fat in the lean trim. Prediction equations for carcass yield end points were developed using live animal or carcass measurements, and live animal equations were developed including ultrasound ribeye area or using only linear measurements. Multiple regression equations, with and without ultrasound rump fat thickness and gluteus medius depth, had similar R2 values when predicting kilograms of product and percentages of product, suggesting that these alternative variables explained little additional variation. Final unshrunk weight and ultrasound 12th-rib fat thickness explained most of the variation when predicting kilograms of fat. Rump fat and gluteus medius depth accounted for an additional 10% of the variation in kilograms of fat, compared with the equation containing final weight, ultrasound ribeye area, and ultrasound 12th-rib fat thickness; however, the two equations were not significantly different. Prediction equations for the cutability end points had similar R2 values whether live animal ultrasound measurements or actual carcass measurements were used. However, when ultrasound ribeye area was excluded from live animal predictions, lower R2 values were obtained for kilograms of product (0.81 vs 0.67) and percentages of product (0.41 vs 0.17). Conversely, the exclusion of ultrasound ribeye area had little effect on the prediction accuracy for kilograms of fat (0.75 vs 0.74) and percentage fat (0.50 vs 0.40). These data substantiate the ability of live animal ultrasound measures to accurately assess beef carcass composition and suggest that the alternative ultrasound measures, rump fat and gluteus medius depth, improve the accuracy of predicting fat-based carcass yields.

Beef productivity of animals such indicators as breed, age of the animal at slaughter, pre-slaughter weight, and after slaughter – yield of carcass, slaughter weight and slaughter yield, morphological composition and the nature of fat deposition are characterized by. The purpose of the research was to study the influence of the pre-slaughter weight of steers of Aubrac breed on their beef traits. In order to carry out the research, three groups of animals have been formed per 15 animals in each. The 1st group included animals whose pre-slaughter weight was in the range of 425–440 kg, the 2nd group – 455–460 kg and the 3rd – 475–500 kg. The conditions of feeding and housing the animals were the same. The animals were housed in arched-type barns with free access to exercising areas. The results of the investigation of the beef productivity and quality of the Musculus longissimus in steers of Aubrac breed depending on the pre-slaughter live weight have been presented in the article. It has been found that animals with the pre-slaughter weight of more than 455 kg were characterized by higher beef traits. Steers with the pre-slaughter weight from 475 to 500 kg were characterized by higher slaughter and beef traits, in the samples of the Musculus longissimus they had a higher content of fat and amino acids. Samples of the Musculus longissimus of steers at slaughter of 455–460 kg were characterized by the higher caloric content, protein-quality indicator. It has been proposed according to the results of the research that the optimal slaughter for steers of Aubrac breed with the pre-slaughter weight is more than 455 kg.