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On-line measurement of intramuscular fat in hot lamb carcases

An imaging needle using an established medical technology has established a positive proof-of-concept to measure Intra Muscular Fat (IMF) percentage in an un-cut lamb carcase. Intramuscular fat contributes positively to the juiciness and flavour of lamb and is a useful indicator of eating quality.

A current project is re-engineering the probe to be more robust, and to develop an initial automated image analysis algorithm, to enable further testing and development under commercial conditions. This project supports an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant to refine the pre-commercial prototype under development, validate the precision and accuracy of IMF measurement and release a prototype device to an early-adopter industry partner.

Project date

9 Feb 2022-1 Jun 2025

Principal investigator

Richard Apps

Research organisations

The University of Adelaide (UA)

Project funded by

Multiple industries
Alternative protein Beef cattle Other rural industries

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)

MLA’s purpose is to foster the long-term prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock industry. We do this …

Multiple industries
Alternative protein Beef cattle Other rural industries
  • Location

    Australia

  • Organisation type

    Research funding body

Logo for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)

Collaborators

Australian Research Council (ARC)

Related tags

Focus areas

Industries

Sustainabilities

Technology areas

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