Utilization of bioelectrical impedance to predict carcass composition of Holstein steers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age.

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to study the usefulness of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in determining soft tissue composition (STC) and carcass fat-free mass (CFFM) of Holstein steers at different ages. Growth data and prediction of STC and CFFM were determined for four groups of Holstein steers: 12 of 3 mo, 12 of 6 mo, 15 of 9 mo, and 16 of 12 mo of age. Average weight for animals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo were 96.6, 204.7, 354.1, and 465.9 kg, respectively. Average fat content of carcass soft tissue at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo were 2.6, 9.8, 18.2, and 24.6%, respectively. Average protein content of the carcass soft tissue was 20.7% at 3 mo, 20% at 6 mo, 18.30% at 9 mo, and 16.9% at 12 mo of age. Feed and water were withheld for 20 h before the BIA was applied. Steers were sedated and forced to recumbency in a lateral position on their right sides over a nonconductive surface. Two electrodes were placed on each limb of the right side (metatarsal and metacarpal regions on back and front foot, respectively). Resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xc) were obtained by attaching four terminals to the electrodes. Impedance and other predictors such as Vol1 (L/Rs), Vol2 (L2/(RS2+Xc2).5, Vol3 (geometrical animal volume), L (2 x height + body length), and L2 were calculated from Rs and Xc, and body measurements and were used to generate prediction equations for CFFM and carcass soft tissue composition. Carcass fat-free mass was predicted accurately for all age groups and the pooled data (r2 = .99 at 3 mo, .99 at 6 mo, .97 at 9 mo, .77 at 12 mo, and .98 for the pooled data). Correlation coefficients between impedance readings and CFFM and carcass composition were calculated. Carcass CFFM and kilograms of H2O for the pooled data (across age groups) were both correlated highly to Vol1 (.97), Vol2 (.95), L (.97), and L2 (.97).

Development of a non-destructive salt and moisture measurement method in salmon (Salmo salar) fillets using impedance technology

“…For instance, in fish post-mortem, cellular changes are expressed as cellular membrane capacitance (inversely proportional to reactance) lost (Swatland, Darkin, Naylor, Caston, & Moccia, 1998). This technology was used by different authors such as Velazco, Morill, and Grunewald (1999) who proposed the bioelectrical impedance method to predict carcass composition of steers. Results were promising but more studies were needed before applying this technique in industry.…”

Bioelectrical impedance analysis for the prediction of fat-free mass in buffalo calf

“…This technology, because of its accuracy, simplicity and portability, has been conveniently applied for pig (Swantek et al, 1991 and, sheep (Jenkins et al, 1988;Berg et al, 1996), beef cattle (Marchello and Slanger, 1992;Marchello et al, 1999;Velazco et al, 1999) and horse (Forro et al, 2000).…”

“…Several authors reported results at 50 kHz in farm animals (Berg et al, 1996;Swantek et al, 1999;Velazco et al, 1999). Schoeller (2000) assumed that the impedance at 50 kHz is overwhelmed by the extracellular water, and the high correlation between impedance and total body water, as well as the FFM, was due to the close relation of these compartments to the extracellular water.…”

Prediction of lamb carcass composition by impedance spectroscopy

“…of body composition should be possible if a constant water content of body compartments is assumed. Several authors reported results at 50 kHz in farm animals (Berg et al, 1996;Swantek et al, 1999;Velazco et al, 1999) and found medium to high correlations with the carcass composition. Schoeller et al (2000) assumed that the impedance at 50 kHz is overwhelmed by the extracellular water, and the high correlation between impedance and the total body water, as well as the fat free mass, was due to the tight relation of these compartments to the extracellular water (at least in healthy humans).…”