Lamb DXA capability extension program

This proposal outlines the requirements for further development of the Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) technology installed at Gundagai Meat Processors and JBS Brooklyn and Bordertown abattoirs in Australia. The DXA scanners currently installed have achieved AUSMEAT accreditation for the prediction of whole carcass composition of lean%, fat%, and bone%. However, these systems require further research and development, with the need to develop the following capacity: 1. Establish the equivalence of hot vs cold DXA to demonstrate the capacity of the cold DXA apparatus at JBS Bordertown and Brooklyn plants to predict the hot trait. 2. Further develop and refine the section composition predictions (fore, saddle, and hind sections) for fat%, lean%, and bone%. 3. Expand the cut weight prediction algorithms and enhance their accuracy following the refining of the section composition prediction algorithm. This will also include the development of an algorithm to predict eye muscle area (EMA). 4. Validate the cut weight prediction algorithms within plant.