Recent trends in carcass evaluation techniques-a review

Received: 29/04/2013 Revised: 17/09/2013 Accepted: 23/09/2013 Abstract Accurate prediction of carcass evaluation in live animals may allow more efficient genetic improvement of meat quality. Effective value-based marketing programs require precise techniques for assessing composition, palatability and other factors associated with consumer acceptance of meat products. The ultimate test for a carcass evaluation technique should establish carcass value. Presently available methods (ultrasonography, video image analysis (VIA), total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) etc) for the prediction of body and carcass composition in animals are reviewed in terms of cost, speed, precision and current usage. All methods were not directly comparable as few studies have used multiple methods for prediction of body or carcass composition. Ultrasound is a modern tool that can be utilized as a non destructive means for carcass evaluation and may also serve the purpose of value and quality based marketing of live animals. The use of video image analysis (VIA) has gaining importance in meat industry due to promising good results on evaluation of carcass traits in cattle, sheep and pigs. Electromagnetic scanning is a non-invasive technology capable of scanning full carcasses and individual primal cuts of boxed meat.