Application of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for ovine
carcass evaluation
R.D. Clarke, A.H. Kirton, C.M. Bartle and P.M. Dobbie
MIRINZ Food Technology & Research Limited, P.O. Box 617,
Hamilton, New Zealand.
E-Mail:
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1999, 59: 272-274
Twenty-four frozen ovine sides were scanned in a medical
dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner, producing measures of
fat, lean and bone mineral content for each side. These sides were then
partially dissected into muscle, fat and bone and the whole sides
chemically analysed. DXA measurements correlated well with chemical
analysis for % fat (r² = 0.92, rsd = 1.2%), fat mass (r² =
0.97, rsd = 163 g) and chemical lean (protein and water, r² = 0.98,
rsd = 232 g). DXA estimates of lean, fat and weight for the leg region
of each side were correlated with dissected lean (r² = 0.96, rsd =
115 g), fat (r² = 0.93, rsd = 66 g) and scale weight (r² =
0.99, rsd = 92 g). DXA estimates of side and leg mass mirrored scale
measurement to within measurement accuracy (~100 g). These results
indicate that DXA may be used as a reliable method for measuring carcass
composition and distribution.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; DXA; carcass composition;
ovine.
Last Updated 06-08-1999
