The project also evaluated potential of NMR by measuring beef short loins with a prototype NMR technology designed for ovine carcases.
The project included a visit to a processing plant and collection of NMR measurements on 20 short loin samples with a range of IMF and Meat Standards Australia marbling scores. This project defined the sample (location of measurement), designed a system to accommodate and align the NMR to the sample, suggested a location in an processing plant for system incorporation, and evaluated the ability of NMR to predict IMF in beef samples.
The preliminary measurements and design concepts suggested that the instrument could keep up with the chain. Several production prototype design concepts were presented, but further development is needed to meet processing plant compatibility and requirements.