AMPC is investing in research that is looking at a non-invasive, automated sensor tool to accurately measure intramuscular fat (IMF) in lamb carcasses.
The new sensor tool can determine the IMF percentage, a key trait of the Meat Standards Australian eating quality grading system for lamb.
Developed by inMR Measure, the Marbl™ technology tool uses a single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance sensor alongside the longissimus muscle to capture IMF measurements. The sensor tool can be installed into existing carcase handling equipment to measure hot carcases.
Before AMPC and industry investment into measurement technologies and tools, there was a lack of some information when trading information across the livestock value chain. It also limited processors’ ability to realise significant productivity and profitability improvements.
Working with the Australian red meat industry and research partners, AMPC prioritised the development of new technologies capable of accurately measuring eating quality traits that can be deployed pre and post chillers and capable of operating at production speeds.
AMPC program manager Stuart Shaw said automating and accurately measuring IMF on hot carcases can help processors respond to market demands and improve production efficiencies.
“Measuring hot lamb carcases, at the end of the harvest floor will provide processors the opportunity to sort carcases into chillers followed by batch manufacture of similarly graded product using IMF percentage measurements,” he said.
“The Marbl™ technology will also provide processors with the tools to provide feedback to producers that influence the value of their livestock, improve decisions on breeding and compliance to market specifications.”
InMR Measure co-founder and director Dr Barbara Webster said over the course of the project, the Marbl™ technology tool advanced from a sensor used on a workshop bench to a fully functional automated measurement tool that was successfully trialled on site.
“The tool was trialled with 100 hot carcases in a processing plant in New Zealand before it was shipped to Australia where over 1000 carcases were measured that covered two different seasons, weights from 17.5kg to 42kg, fat scores 2-5, and a variety of breeds.
“This pushes the technology down the path to commercialisation,” she said.
The next stage of this research will involve trialling the tool in real time during lamb meat processing.
AMPC is currently reviewing options with processors and inMR to support further development of the Marbl™ technology.
For more information about the trial and its results, visit the AMPC website at: https://www.ampc.com.au/research-development/advanced-manufacturing/ovine-imf-measurement-production-prototype
If you are interested in being involved in future trials of the tool, contact AMPC program manager advanced manufacturing at s.shaw@ampc.com.au