Computerised / Thermal imaging grading

[Al R]

I've heard that computerised/digital/thermal imaging or infrared scanning or something will be coming to slaughterhouses so that all animals in the country are all graded to the same specification and it doesn't depend on the grading man itself which as we all know they can have off days and different opinions to 1 another which can make a huge difference over hundreds or thousands of animals.

Does anyone know when these systems are going to be in place? Some may complain that they may get graded to hard on this new system but then we're all going to have to adapt to this standardised system?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Abp already running it....only a matter of time before the others follow suit....haven't heard anything though

 

[mo!]

We're not very happy with the grading at ABP, larger O- cattle are coming back as P+. It seems OK on smaller stuff but anything with a bit of height gets hammered.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

We're not very happy with the grading at ABP, larger O- cattle are coming back as P+. It seems OK on smaller stuff but anything with a bit of height gets hammered.

Bigger cattle back a grade, wonder why....

 

[Poorbuthappy]

Abp using the imaging system, not sure what you call it.
Local livestock dealer/specialist who puts a lot of cattle and sheep into abp and others reckons the others are more likely to go the route of meat yield such as operated in NZ, and Abp will eventually follow.

Be interested to hear from our kiwi friends how that works? @JD-Kid @NZDan

 

[mo!]

The system ABP use is called VIA.

 

[mo!]

Bigger cattle back a grade, wonder why....

When I say bigger I'm not talking about out of spec. No point in feeding them until you don't get paid!

 

[Northeastfarmer]

When I say bigger I'm not talking about out of spec. No point in feeding them until you don't get paid!

I know what you meant...400-420kilos?

 

[Al R]

I know what you meant...400-420kilos?

Continentals as opposed to herefords/Angus types then?

 

[flashsheep]

Nz via have the advantage of consistent carcasses the computer has difficulties here with our broad range of breeds. Also gets poor results on conformation when affected by heavy fat cover. Cattle here are workable for via but UK sheep are different

 

[mo!]

I know what you meant...400-420kilos?

No, b&w steers to 380 dead.

 

[JD-Kid]

Abp using the imaging system, not sure what you call it.
Local livestock dealer/specialist who puts a lot of cattle and sheep into abp and others reckons the others are more likely to go the route of meat yield such as operated in NZ, and Abp will eventually follow.

Be interested to hear from our kiwi friends how that works? @JD-Kid @NZDan

not fully sure on how it works but it's intresting looking at the graphs coming back of yeilds in diffrent areas leg loin sholder areas not just a over all gradeing
some of our graphs look like a shotgun pattern all over the place so shows there is a huge range of yeilds within our flock
see some studs showing yeild graphs that all grade a bit high and tighter grouping some i feel may be hand picked for that killing sheet and good marketing
all in all it's worth it shows up weak areas so can target better ram / bull buying
for the industry not alot of gains useing it more flow down efect to farmer and the industry can start to discount animals with poor returns in the industry IF the meat co's use a big stick on poor yeilding animals
know some co's brought lambs that even tho make grade and weight there yeilds are so low harder to sell the cuts
once they crack down and start paying more on yeilds the showring and market will keep selling nice looking not good returning product animals