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Scan technology shows promise in verifying grassfed or grainfed claims

Beef Central 23/01/2025

OBJECTIVE beef carcase analysis technologies have up to this point focussed principally on meat quality and yield characteristics, but a new piece of scanning equipment is showing promise in verifying grassfed or grainfed production claims.

A piece of tech called raman spectroscopy was used in a recently-completed MLA -backed project, led by Dr Stephenie Fowler from NSW DPI.

Raman scan measurement of the subcutaneous fat near the navel end of the brisket from a grain fed carcase

Tests for grassfed authenticity have been available in Australia for some time from service suppliers, but require sending samples away for stable isotope analysis in a university laboratory. The difference with the raman spectroscopy technology is that it can be carried out on the chain in the chiller, using a Mira hand-held scanning device.

If the process ultimately proves reliable, accurate and cost efficient, it could one day eliminate the need for on-farm audit and farm-assurance programs used to underpin certified grassfed brand claims.

According to Wikipedia, raman spectroscopy is a molecular spectroscopic technique that utilises the interaction of light with matter to gain insight into a material’s make-up or characteristics. The information provided results from a light dispersion process, whereas infra-red spectroscopy relies on absorption of light. Wikipedia:

The recently-completed project aimed to provide the beef industry with a science-based verification method for grassfed and grainfed beef products.

Almost 2000 beef carcases from grassfed, supplemented grassfed, 70-day shortfed grain and 100-day longfed grain production systems in New South Wales and Queensland were processed in two southern and two northern abattoirs over different seasons, ranging from good to poor. Carcases were also laboratory analysed for beta carotone content and fatty acid composition after ramen spectroscopy measurements were completed.

Validation of models demonstrated that 86pc of carcases were correctly classified into production system of origin when both southern and northern cattle were combined into one model. When carcases were separated into northern and southern production systems, 96pc of carcases from northern production systems were correctly classified.

Significantly, the scans were able to accurately distinguish both grassfed and long (100-day) grainfed carcases with great accuracy, while grain-supplemented and shortfed (70-day) carcases were slightly less accurate.

While only 70pc of southern carcases were correctly classified, initial data indicated these reduced accuracies might be the result of similarities between omega fatty acids found in supplemented grassfed carcases and short-term grainfed carcases.

The results have prompted researchers to suggest the method is a good candidate for commercialisation.

“This research provides the evidence required to underpin the use of raman spectroscopy for objectively verifying grassfed beef to maintain market access, while reducing the cost of auditing to the supply chain,” the project’s final report said.

“As Raman spectroscopy has sufficient sensitivity to classify carcases from grassfed, grass-supplemented, short-term grainfed and long-term grainfed production systems in northern and southern production systems, the research also supports the use of Raman spectroscopy to verify commercial beef brands which are often based on unique regions and feeding systems,” the report said.

Current guidelines, certification and auditing of grassfed production systems vary depending on the brand and auditing body and despite vendor declarations, consumers are not given a clear guarantee of the authenticity of grassfed products, the report said.

“Thus, processors require a more scientific approach to verification and certification to ensure clear cues for production system and raising claims can be translated into consumer descriptions.”

As the research demonstrated similarities in the fatty acid composition of short-term grainfed and supplemented grassfed beef carcases, further research was required to assess the impact of grass supplements on the fatty acid content of beef to ensure the grassfed industry can meet both the demand and consumer expectations of health beneficial fatty acids, researchers said.

 

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  1. Angela Downie, 23/01/2025

    Pity the best source is Wikipedia, we have many universities and research institutions but you source Wikipedia?

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