Across countries implementation of handheld near-infrared spectrometer for the on-line prediction of beef marbling in slaughterhouse

Only few studies have used Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to assess meat quality traits directly in the chiller. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the ability of a handheld NIR spectrometer to predict marbling scores on intact meat muscles in the chiller. A total of 829 animals from 2 slaughterhouses in France and Italy were involved. Marbling was assessed according to the 3G (Global Grading Guaranteed) protocol using 2 different scores. NIR measurements were collected by performing 5 scans at different points of the Longissimus thoracis. An average MSA marbling score of 330-340 was obtained in the two countries. The prediction models provided a R2 in external validation between 0.46 and 0.59 and a standard error of prediction between 83.1 and 105.5. Results did provide a moderate prediction of the marbling scores but can be useful in the European in-dustry context to predict classes of MSA marbling.

Automated summary

Only a few studies have used Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to directly assess meat quality in the chiller. This study aimed to investigate the handheld NIR spectrometer's ability to predict marbling scores on intact meat muscles in the chiller. A total of 829 animals from slaughterhouses in France and Italy were included, and the prediction models showed moderate prediction of marbling scores, which can be useful in the European industry context to predict classes of MSA marbling.