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T E Lawrence - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • live growth performance Carcass Grading characteristics and harvest yields of beef steers supplemented zilpaterol hydrochloride and offered ad libitum or maintenance energy intake
    Journal of Animal Science, 2018
    Co-Authors: L J Walte, J P Hutcheso, A N Schmitz, W T Nichols, T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    A trial was conducted to examine live growth efficiency, harvest yields, and Carcass Grading performance of steers fed at maintenance (M) or at ad libitum (A) level of intake during zilpaterol hydrochloride (Z) supplementation. Single-sired, beef steers (n = 56; start of trial BW 590 ± 36 kg) blocked (n = 2) by weight and terminal implant were sorted into pairs (n = 14 per block) by weight. Pairs of steers were initially assigned to 0, 28, or 56 d of feeding. Within 28 or 56 d, pairs were assigned to M or A intake. Steers within a pair assigned to 56 d of feeding were randomly assigned to either 20 d of Z supplementation (90 mg/d per steer) with a 4 d withdrawal period prior to slaughter or to no ZH supplementation (C). Steers were housed and fed in individual pens. Weights of all non-Carcass and Carcass components were recorded at slaughter; Carcasses were graded 24-h postmortem. Data were analyzed via a mixed model; the fixed effect was treatment combination with random effects of block and pair. Live growth data used harvest day as the repeated measure and animal as the subject. Single df contrasts were constructed for day 0 vs. day 28, day 0 vs. day 56, day 28 vs. day 56, M vs. A, and C vs. Z. Treatment impacted (P ≤ 0.05) live ADG; contrasts indicated A (1.33) was greater than M (0.14 kg), and Z (1.12) was greater than C (0.82 kg). Similarly, Carcass ADG differences (P < 0.01) indicated A (1.04) was greater than M (0.36 kg), and Z (1.35) was greater than C (0.71 kg). Intake level altered BW and empty body weight (EBW); M cattle had reduced BW and EBW (P < 0.01, 585 and 540 kg) than A cattle (647 and 597 kg). Cattle fed at M had less Carcass and internal cavity mass (P < 0.01, 359 and 79.4 kg) than A cattle (394 and 93.5 kg). Liver mass was reduced by M feeding (P < 0.01; M-5.03, A-6.69 kg) and Z treatment (P < 0.01; Z-5.64, C-6.06 kg). Moreover, mass of total splanchnic tissue was less (P < 0.01) for M cattle than A cattle (59.8 vs. 72.5 kg). Dressed Carcass yield was greater (P < 0.01) for Z than C cattle (63.5 vs. 61.6%). Cattle fed at M had less 12th rib s.c. fat, lower numerical U.S. yield grades (P < 0.01; M-1.71 cm and 3.3, A-2.46 cm and 4.3) and lower numerical Canadian yield grades (P < 0.01; 51.9 vs. 53.9% for M and A, respectively) than A cattle. Results indicate that energy intake level and Z supplementation influence live and Carcass growth, Carcass transfer, kill yields, and Carcass characteristics across time.

  • Carcass Grading characteristics of serially harvested calf fed holstein steers fed zilpaterol hydrochloride
    Journal of Animal Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: N D May, T J Mcevers, L J Walte, J A Reed, J P Hutcheso, T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    Serial harvests were conducted using Holstein steers ( = 110) fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 0 or 20 d prior to harvest. Steers were harvested in 28-d increments beginning at 254 d on feed (DOF) and ending at 534 DOF. After harvest and a 36-h chill period, Carcasses were evaluated using Grading methods standard for the United States (USDA), Canada (Canadian Beef Grading Association [CBGA]), and Japan (Japanese Meat Grading Agency [JMGA]). No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.81) were detected for 12th-rib fat thickness; however, additional DOF resulted in a daily linear increase ( < 0.01) of 12th-rib fat thickness by 0.004 cm/d. Longissimus muscle area was increased ( < 0.01) by 8.7 cm with ZH supplementation and linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.08 cm2/d with additional DOF. Calculated USDA yield grade (YG) decreased ( < 0.01) 0.33 units due to ZH treatment and linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.009 units/d. Steers supplemented with ZH exhibited increased ( < 0.01) CGBA LM width; however, no difference ( = 0.37) was detected in CGBA LM length. No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.64) were observed for CBGA fat class; however, CGBA fat class linearly increased ( < 0.01) by 0.01 units/d. No ZH differences ( ≥ 0.17) were detected for the CBGA estimated lean percentage or YG equations. Evaluation for JMGA occurs at the sixth and seventh rib interface; LM area was 4.6 cm2 greater ( = 0.02) for cattle supplemented with ZH and linearly increased ( < 0.01) by 0.07 cm2/d with additional DOF. Subcutaneous fat thickness was not different among ZH treatments ( = 0.10) but linearly ( < 0.04) increased ( < 0.01) by 0.005 cm/d with additional DOF using the JMGA Grading method. No difference ( ≥ 0.21) was calculated between ZH treatments or DOF for JMGA estimated yield. No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.85) were detected in USDA marbling score; however, marbling linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.07 units/d. These data illustrate the impact of ZH and increasing DOF on economically important Carcass Grading outcomes used in the USDA, CBGA, and JMGA Grading programs.

  • association of liver abnormalities with Carcass Grading performance and value
    Journal of Animal Science, 2010
    Co-Authors: T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    The association of liver abnormalities with Carcass Grading performance, value, and dressed yield was evaluated on data from 76,191 Carcasses housed in 2 databases. Liver abnormalities were as- signed as follows: normal = edible liver; A− = 1 to 2 small abscesses or inactive scars; A = 1 to 2 large abscesses or multiple small abscesses; A+ = multiple large abscesses; A+AD = liver adhered to gastrointes- tinal tract or diaphragm or both; A+OP = open liver abscess; cirrhosis; distoma; and telangiectasis. Overall liver abnormality rates among both databases were A− = 5.0%, A = 2.6%, A+ = 2.0%, A+AD = 2.7%, A+OP = 1.4%, cirrhosis = 0.1%, distoma = 5.4%, and telangiectasis = 0.3%, with 80.5% of livers being nor- mal. In database 1 (n = 3,936), BW was 33.3 kg less (P < 0.01) for Carcasses with cirrhotic livers compared with Carcasses with normal livers. Dressed yields for Carcasses with A−, A+, A+AD, A+OP, and cirrhosis liver abnormalities were 0.28 to 0.89 percentage points less (P < 0.05) than Carcasses with normal livers. In da- tabase 2 (n = 72,255), Carcasses with A−, A+, A+AD, A+OP, cirrhosis, distoma, and telangiectasis liver ab- normalities had reduced (P < 0.05) HCW and reduced (P < 0.05) LM area as compared with Carcasses with a normal liver. Less (P < 0.05) 12th-rib subcutaneous fat was observed for Carcasses with A−, A, A+, A+AD, A+OP, cirrhosis, and distoma abnormalities compared with Carcasses with normal livers. Estimated KPH was less (P < 0.05) for Carcasses with A−, A+, A+AD, A+OP, cirrhosis, and distoma abnormalities. Calcu- lated yield grade was less (P < 0.05) for Carcasses with A+AD, A+OP, cirrhosis, and distoma abnormalities compared with Carcasses with normal livers. Marbling score of Carcasses that had livers with A+AD or A+OP abscess scores or distoma was less (P < 0.05) than that of Carcasses with normal livers. In database 2, market price per 45.35 kg did not differ (P = 0.32) among liver classification. Gross Carcass value analyses indicated Carcasses with A−, A, A+, A+AD, A+OP, cirrhosis, and distoma liver abnormalities were less valuable (P < 0.05) than Carcasses with normal livers. These data delineate the association of liver abnormalities present at harvest with subsequent changes in Carcass charac- teristics and ultimately lost Carcass value.

  • influence of phenotypic hide color and sex condition on beef Carcass Grading performance and value
    The Professional Animal Scientist, 2010
    Co-Authors: T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    The influence of hide color and sex on Carcass Grading performance and value was evaluated on 18,575 Carcasses. Cattle exhibited color frequencies of black (50.0%), black-white face (10.6%), red (10.6%), red-white face (5.8%), gray (4.9%), yellow (4.7%), white (3.5%), Holstein (2.7%), striped (2.4%), yellow-white face (2.2%), gray-white face (1.4%), and spotted (1.3%) and sex frequencies of 83.5% steers and 16.5% heifers. Black cattle (black and black-white face) had greater (P < 0.01) s.c. fat (1.46 cm), hot Carcass weight (HCW; 362.4 kg), KPH (2.38%), calculated YG (3.30), and marbling score (Small29) with less (P < 0.01) LM area (83.9 cm2) than did nonblack cattle (red, red-white face, gray, gray-white face, yellow, yellow-white face, white, striped, spotted, Holstein) (1.24 cm, 357.2 kg, 2.34%, 2.89, Small02, 86.9 cm2, respectively). Steers had less (P < 0.01) s.c. fat (1.18 cm), KPH (2.22%), calculated YG (2.83), and marbling score (Slight98) with greater (P < 0.01) HCW (372.3 kg) and LM area (89.4 cm2) than did heifers (1.37 cm, 2.47%, 3.11, Small19, 344.0 kg, 83.4 cm2, respectively). Black cattle had greater (P < 0.01) HCW discounts (-$1.32), YG discounts (-$2.46), and market value ($122.93) with less (P < 0.01) QG discounts (-$2.07) than did nonblack cattle (-$1.10, -$1.73, $122.49, -$3.46, respectively). Steers had less (P = 0.02) HCW discounts (-$0.97) and (P < 0.01) YG discounts (-$1.33) with greater (P < 0.01) QG discounts (-$3.68) than did heifers (-$1.43, -$2.30, -$2.56, respectively). The results suggest that the incentives to pay premiums for feeder cattle based on hide color diminish once the finished animal is in the Carcass form and that steer and heifer Carcasses have differing Carcass characteristics that could warrant independent value-based marketing methods.

L J Walte - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • live growth performance Carcass Grading characteristics and harvest yields of beef steers supplemented zilpaterol hydrochloride and offered ad libitum or maintenance energy intake
    Journal of Animal Science, 2018
    Co-Authors: L J Walte, J P Hutcheso, A N Schmitz, W T Nichols, T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    A trial was conducted to examine live growth efficiency, harvest yields, and Carcass Grading performance of steers fed at maintenance (M) or at ad libitum (A) level of intake during zilpaterol hydrochloride (Z) supplementation. Single-sired, beef steers (n = 56; start of trial BW 590 ± 36 kg) blocked (n = 2) by weight and terminal implant were sorted into pairs (n = 14 per block) by weight. Pairs of steers were initially assigned to 0, 28, or 56 d of feeding. Within 28 or 56 d, pairs were assigned to M or A intake. Steers within a pair assigned to 56 d of feeding were randomly assigned to either 20 d of Z supplementation (90 mg/d per steer) with a 4 d withdrawal period prior to slaughter or to no ZH supplementation (C). Steers were housed and fed in individual pens. Weights of all non-Carcass and Carcass components were recorded at slaughter; Carcasses were graded 24-h postmortem. Data were analyzed via a mixed model; the fixed effect was treatment combination with random effects of block and pair. Live growth data used harvest day as the repeated measure and animal as the subject. Single df contrasts were constructed for day 0 vs. day 28, day 0 vs. day 56, day 28 vs. day 56, M vs. A, and C vs. Z. Treatment impacted (P ≤ 0.05) live ADG; contrasts indicated A (1.33) was greater than M (0.14 kg), and Z (1.12) was greater than C (0.82 kg). Similarly, Carcass ADG differences (P < 0.01) indicated A (1.04) was greater than M (0.36 kg), and Z (1.35) was greater than C (0.71 kg). Intake level altered BW and empty body weight (EBW); M cattle had reduced BW and EBW (P < 0.01, 585 and 540 kg) than A cattle (647 and 597 kg). Cattle fed at M had less Carcass and internal cavity mass (P < 0.01, 359 and 79.4 kg) than A cattle (394 and 93.5 kg). Liver mass was reduced by M feeding (P < 0.01; M-5.03, A-6.69 kg) and Z treatment (P < 0.01; Z-5.64, C-6.06 kg). Moreover, mass of total splanchnic tissue was less (P < 0.01) for M cattle than A cattle (59.8 vs. 72.5 kg). Dressed Carcass yield was greater (P < 0.01) for Z than C cattle (63.5 vs. 61.6%). Cattle fed at M had less 12th rib s.c. fat, lower numerical U.S. yield grades (P < 0.01; M-1.71 cm and 3.3, A-2.46 cm and 4.3) and lower numerical Canadian yield grades (P < 0.01; 51.9 vs. 53.9% for M and A, respectively) than A cattle. Results indicate that energy intake level and Z supplementation influence live and Carcass growth, Carcass transfer, kill yields, and Carcass characteristics across time.

  • Carcass Grading characteristics of serially harvested calf fed holstein steers fed zilpaterol hydrochloride
    Journal of Animal Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: N D May, T J Mcevers, L J Walte, J A Reed, J P Hutcheso, T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    Serial harvests were conducted using Holstein steers ( = 110) fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 0 or 20 d prior to harvest. Steers were harvested in 28-d increments beginning at 254 d on feed (DOF) and ending at 534 DOF. After harvest and a 36-h chill period, Carcasses were evaluated using Grading methods standard for the United States (USDA), Canada (Canadian Beef Grading Association [CBGA]), and Japan (Japanese Meat Grading Agency [JMGA]). No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.81) were detected for 12th-rib fat thickness; however, additional DOF resulted in a daily linear increase ( < 0.01) of 12th-rib fat thickness by 0.004 cm/d. Longissimus muscle area was increased ( < 0.01) by 8.7 cm with ZH supplementation and linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.08 cm2/d with additional DOF. Calculated USDA yield grade (YG) decreased ( < 0.01) 0.33 units due to ZH treatment and linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.009 units/d. Steers supplemented with ZH exhibited increased ( < 0.01) CGBA LM width; however, no difference ( = 0.37) was detected in CGBA LM length. No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.64) were observed for CBGA fat class; however, CGBA fat class linearly increased ( < 0.01) by 0.01 units/d. No ZH differences ( ≥ 0.17) were detected for the CBGA estimated lean percentage or YG equations. Evaluation for JMGA occurs at the sixth and seventh rib interface; LM area was 4.6 cm2 greater ( = 0.02) for cattle supplemented with ZH and linearly increased ( < 0.01) by 0.07 cm2/d with additional DOF. Subcutaneous fat thickness was not different among ZH treatments ( = 0.10) but linearly ( < 0.04) increased ( < 0.01) by 0.005 cm/d with additional DOF using the JMGA Grading method. No difference ( ≥ 0.21) was calculated between ZH treatments or DOF for JMGA estimated yield. No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.85) were detected in USDA marbling score; however, marbling linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.07 units/d. These data illustrate the impact of ZH and increasing DOF on economically important Carcass Grading outcomes used in the USDA, CBGA, and JMGA Grading programs.

J P Hutcheso - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • live growth performance Carcass Grading characteristics and harvest yields of beef steers supplemented zilpaterol hydrochloride and offered ad libitum or maintenance energy intake
    Journal of Animal Science, 2018
    Co-Authors: L J Walte, J P Hutcheso, A N Schmitz, W T Nichols, T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    A trial was conducted to examine live growth efficiency, harvest yields, and Carcass Grading performance of steers fed at maintenance (M) or at ad libitum (A) level of intake during zilpaterol hydrochloride (Z) supplementation. Single-sired, beef steers (n = 56; start of trial BW 590 ± 36 kg) blocked (n = 2) by weight and terminal implant were sorted into pairs (n = 14 per block) by weight. Pairs of steers were initially assigned to 0, 28, or 56 d of feeding. Within 28 or 56 d, pairs were assigned to M or A intake. Steers within a pair assigned to 56 d of feeding were randomly assigned to either 20 d of Z supplementation (90 mg/d per steer) with a 4 d withdrawal period prior to slaughter or to no ZH supplementation (C). Steers were housed and fed in individual pens. Weights of all non-Carcass and Carcass components were recorded at slaughter; Carcasses were graded 24-h postmortem. Data were analyzed via a mixed model; the fixed effect was treatment combination with random effects of block and pair. Live growth data used harvest day as the repeated measure and animal as the subject. Single df contrasts were constructed for day 0 vs. day 28, day 0 vs. day 56, day 28 vs. day 56, M vs. A, and C vs. Z. Treatment impacted (P ≤ 0.05) live ADG; contrasts indicated A (1.33) was greater than M (0.14 kg), and Z (1.12) was greater than C (0.82 kg). Similarly, Carcass ADG differences (P < 0.01) indicated A (1.04) was greater than M (0.36 kg), and Z (1.35) was greater than C (0.71 kg). Intake level altered BW and empty body weight (EBW); M cattle had reduced BW and EBW (P < 0.01, 585 and 540 kg) than A cattle (647 and 597 kg). Cattle fed at M had less Carcass and internal cavity mass (P < 0.01, 359 and 79.4 kg) than A cattle (394 and 93.5 kg). Liver mass was reduced by M feeding (P < 0.01; M-5.03, A-6.69 kg) and Z treatment (P < 0.01; Z-5.64, C-6.06 kg). Moreover, mass of total splanchnic tissue was less (P < 0.01) for M cattle than A cattle (59.8 vs. 72.5 kg). Dressed Carcass yield was greater (P < 0.01) for Z than C cattle (63.5 vs. 61.6%). Cattle fed at M had less 12th rib s.c. fat, lower numerical U.S. yield grades (P < 0.01; M-1.71 cm and 3.3, A-2.46 cm and 4.3) and lower numerical Canadian yield grades (P < 0.01; 51.9 vs. 53.9% for M and A, respectively) than A cattle. Results indicate that energy intake level and Z supplementation influence live and Carcass growth, Carcass transfer, kill yields, and Carcass characteristics across time.

  • Carcass Grading characteristics of serially harvested calf fed holstein steers fed zilpaterol hydrochloride
    Journal of Animal Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: N D May, T J Mcevers, L J Walte, J A Reed, J P Hutcheso, T E Lawrence
    Abstract:

    Serial harvests were conducted using Holstein steers ( = 110) fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 0 or 20 d prior to harvest. Steers were harvested in 28-d increments beginning at 254 d on feed (DOF) and ending at 534 DOF. After harvest and a 36-h chill period, Carcasses were evaluated using Grading methods standard for the United States (USDA), Canada (Canadian Beef Grading Association [CBGA]), and Japan (Japanese Meat Grading Agency [JMGA]). No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.81) were detected for 12th-rib fat thickness; however, additional DOF resulted in a daily linear increase ( < 0.01) of 12th-rib fat thickness by 0.004 cm/d. Longissimus muscle area was increased ( < 0.01) by 8.7 cm with ZH supplementation and linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.08 cm2/d with additional DOF. Calculated USDA yield grade (YG) decreased ( < 0.01) 0.33 units due to ZH treatment and linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.009 units/d. Steers supplemented with ZH exhibited increased ( < 0.01) CGBA LM width; however, no difference ( = 0.37) was detected in CGBA LM length. No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.64) were observed for CBGA fat class; however, CGBA fat class linearly increased ( < 0.01) by 0.01 units/d. No ZH differences ( ≥ 0.17) were detected for the CBGA estimated lean percentage or YG equations. Evaluation for JMGA occurs at the sixth and seventh rib interface; LM area was 4.6 cm2 greater ( = 0.02) for cattle supplemented with ZH and linearly increased ( < 0.01) by 0.07 cm2/d with additional DOF. Subcutaneous fat thickness was not different among ZH treatments ( = 0.10) but linearly ( < 0.04) increased ( < 0.01) by 0.005 cm/d with additional DOF using the JMGA Grading method. No difference ( ≥ 0.21) was calculated between ZH treatments or DOF for JMGA estimated yield. No ZH treatment differences ( = 0.85) were detected in USDA marbling score; however, marbling linearly increased ( < 0.01) 0.07 units/d. These data illustrate the impact of ZH and increasing DOF on economically important Carcass Grading outcomes used in the USDA, CBGA, and JMGA Grading programs.

Mapiye C - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Towards a regional beef Carcass classification system for Southern Africa
    'African Journals Online (AJOL)', 2017
    Co-Authors: Chingala G, Raffrenato E, Dzama K, Hoffma L.c., Mapiye C
    Abstract:

    Southern Africa is home to over 64 million cattle, of which 75% are raised on natural pasture in smallholder farming areas. Indigenous cattle breeds Bos indicus (zebu), B. taurus africanus (Sanga type) and their crosses with B. taurus (European and British) are the most dominant. Despite their dominance, indigenous cattle breeds in smallholder farming areas are commonly marketed through informal markets, and their contribution to formal national economies is therefore limited. This is partly because the current beef Carcass Grading and classification systems used in the region value inappropriately Carcasses from slow-maturing indigenous cattle breeds that are ideally suited to being marketed offnatural pasture. The existing systems use Carcass yield and quality attributes, but do not predict eating quality at consumer level. Moreover, the principal criteria used to estimate Carcass yield and quality, namely age, fat cover and conformation, are assessed indirectly and subjectively. The objective of the current review is to provide an overview of beef Carcass Grading and classification systems in Southern Africa and analyse their shortcomings in valuing Carcasses from indigenous breeds and local production systems. In addition, the review highlights opportunities for improving these systems in Southern Africa and makes suggestions towards developing a regional beef Carcass classification system

  • Towards a regional beef Carcass classification system for Southern Africa
    'African Journals Online (AJOL)', 2017
    Co-Authors: Chingala G, Raffrenato E, Dzama K, Hoffma L. C., Mapiye C
    Abstract:

    CITATION: Chingala, G., et al. 2017. Towards a regional beef Carcass classification system for Southern Africa. South African Journal of Animal Science, 47(4):408-423, doi:10.4314/sajas.v47i4.1.The original publication is available at http://www.sasas.co.zaSouthern Africa is home to over 64 million cattle, of which 75% are raised on natural pasture in smallholder farming areas. Indigenous cattle breeds Bos indicus (zebu), B. taurus africanus (Sanga type) and their crosses with B. taurus (European and British) are the most dominant. Despite their dominance, indigenous cattle breeds in smallholder farming areas are commonly marketed through informal markets, and their contribution to formal national economies is therefore limited. This is partly because the current beef Carcass Grading and classification systems used in the region value inappropriately Carcasses from slow-maturing indigenous cattle breeds that are ideally suited to being marketed off natural pasture. The existing systems use Carcass yield and quality attributes, but do not predict eating quality at consumer level. Moreover, the principal criteria used to estimate Carcass yield and quality, namely age, fat cover and conformation, are assessed indirectly and subjectively. The objective of the current review is to provide an overview of beef Carcass Grading and classification systems in Southern Africa and analyse their shortcomings in valuing Carcasses from indigenous breeds and local production systems. In addition, the review highlights opportunities for improving these systems in Southern Africa and makes suggestions towards developing a regional beef Carcass classification system.http://www.sasas.co.za/towards-regional-beef-Carcass-classification-system-southern-africa-reviewPublisher's versio

Hans Usk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • on line pork Carcass Grading with the autofom ultrasound system
    Journal of Animal Science, 1998
    Co-Authors: Jespe Ondum, Ma Egebo, Carste Agerskov, Hans Usk
    Abstract:

    On-line pork Carcass Grading with the Autofom ultrasound system is described. The system consists of 16 ultrasound transducers positioned in a frame. The Carcass is measured fully automatically at 3,200 positions to a depth of approximately 12 cm with a depth resolution of .19 mm. The ultrasound data form a three-dimensional ultrasound image, which is processed for noise reduction, orientation detection, and extraction of 127 features describing the Carcass composition. The image features are used in a multivariate regression model, that is used for on-line predictions. On-line tests performed at line speeds up to 1,150 Carcasses/h provide predictions of the meat percentage with an accuracy of 1.58 to 1.95%. Good predictions of the fat thickness and primal meat cuts have also been made.