project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
Beef Marbling in a High Value Supply Chain: utilising scanning technologies pre- and post-slaughter to predict IMF and eating quality
Beef Marbling in a High Value Supply Chain: utilising scanning technologies pre- and post-slaughter to predict IMF and eating quality
Objectives
The red meat sector uses a quality measurement system based on animal conformation and fat cover, which is not always the best indicator of eventual eating quality. One indicator of good eating quality is the level of intramuscular fat (IMF) in the beef carcass. This project is looking at identifying a non-invasive and cost-effective method of predicting the level of IMF in live animals, pre-slaughter; comparing this to the actual level of IMF in the carcass post-slaughter and then obtaining feedback from customers associated with eating quality. This project will test the application of existing IMF scanning technologies in a commercial supply chain setting.
Objectives
The red meat sector uses a quality measurement system based on animal conformation and fat cover, which is not always the best indicator of eventual eating quality. One indicator of good eating quality is the level of intramuscular fat (IMF) in the beef carcass. This project is looking at identifying a non-invasive and cost-effective method of predicting the level of IMF in live animals, pre-slaughter; comparing this to the actual level of IMF in the carcass post-slaughter and then obtaining feedback from customers associated with eating quality. This project will test the application of existing IMF scanning technologies in a commercial supply chain setting.
Activities
Cows will be utrasound scanned on-farm in the week prior to slaughter; then samples from each carcass will be FOSS tested to correlate the IMF level readings pre and post slaughter. A selection of low and high marbled loins will also be taken and used in a Taste panel, to obtain feedback on eating quality in relation to marbling levels. Animals will also be weighed in weigh crates to allow an investigation of the relationships between growth rate or live weights and levels of IMF. If any useful predictors are found, it will enable the development of a new carcass grading system based on agreed Customer Requirements and a new supply chain payment system, taking new quality measures into account.
Activities
Cows will be utrasound scanned on-farm in the week prior to slaughter; then samples from each carcass will be FOSS tested to correlate the IMF level readings pre and post slaughter. A selection of low and high marbled loins will also be taken and used in a Taste panel, to obtain feedback on eating quality in relation to marbling levels. Animals will also be weighed in weigh crates to allow an investigation of the relationships between growth rate or live weights and levels of IMF. If any useful predictors are found, it will enable the development of a new carcass grading system based on agreed Customer Requirements and a new supply chain payment system, taking new quality measures into account.
Kontext
In a wider Scottish context, the Beef 2020 group recognised the importance of engendering trust throughout the supply chain, built on a greater understanding of each partner’s role, which in turn will deliver a greater transparency of market signals and customer requirements. This project involves all supply chain partners in identifying and establishing new quality parameters based on customer and consumer demand, allowing for transparent and open discussions on appropriate payment systems.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014UK06RDRP003 United Kingdom - Rural Development Programme (Regional) - Scotland
Ort
- Main geographical location
- South Lanarkshire
€ 58840
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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SAOS
Project coordinator
Project partners
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PR Duff
Project partner
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Ritchie UK
Project partner
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SRUC
Project partner
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Tommy and Alan Taylor
Project partner
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Willie Purdon
Project partner