Porcine and ovine carcass composition
Abstract
The United States meat industry has worked hard to improve its image and to remain competitive in the world protein market. Delivery of animals to market that possess excessive carcass fat impede efficiency at all levels of the market chain. Advances in electronic technologies have made it possible to assess carcass composition very accurately. The objective of this study was to examine electronic technologies for the estimation of porcine and ovine carcass composition. Electromagnetic (EM) scanning, optical reflectance probes, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and realtime ultrasound were evaluated for prediction of carcass and (or) live animal body composition. The electromagnetic scanner generates a constant, low level electromagnetic field within a large plexiglass tube. The amount of electromagnetic energy lost to the lean (conductive) component of a carcass can be quantified and used to predict total carcass lean weight, percentage of carcass lean, and primal cut lean weight. An optical reflectance probe gives an indication of fat and muscle tissue depth at a specific anatomical location based on the different reflectance properties of white fat versus red lean. The fat and muscle depths are then used as prediction variables for estimation of proportional carcass yield. Bioelectrical impedance analysis measures the resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xc) of an applied electrical current through the body of a live animal or carcass. Leaner animals contain less fat, which serves as an insulator, and will have lower components of impedance (Rs and Xc). Realtime ultrasound gives a visual representation of tissue interfaces (loin eye area and fat depth) from the reflectance of ultrasonic frequencies as they encounter the tissue interface. Bioelectric impedance analysis was the most accurate means for estimation of dissected lean and fat-free lean for live lamb measurement. Ultrasound was identified as an accurate means for assessment of fat depth on live lambs. Electromagnetic scanning was the most accurate electronic technology for prediction of lamb carcass composition for total and leg lean. Application of electromagnetic scans was shown to be very accurate for predicting pork carcass composition in an online industrial configuration.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Forrest, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Food science|Anatomy & physiology
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.