Using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to estimate commercial cut weights at abattoir chain-speed

This experiment assessed the ability of an on-line dual energy x-ray absorptiometer (DEXA) installed at a commercial abattoir to determine cut weights in lamb carcases chain-speed. 200 were scanned using DEXA that was trained predict computed tomography determined proportions fat, lean, and bone. Models then hot carcase weight and, fat% value or GR tissue depth weight. Results from validation tests models demonstrated excellent precision for predicting weight, most cases describing more than 85% variation, RMSE values represented between 5 13% average each cut. For cuts these predictions superior those informed by depth. maintained upon validation. Additional analyses utilised pixel information fore, saddle, hind sections images. further enhanced predictive power models.