The Sheep CRC says the implementation of world leading technology by Katanning-based, WA, processor WAMMCO is an exciting development enabling higher yielding, lean lamb carcases to be rewarded with price premiums.
WAMMCO International has introduced its lean meat yield payment system - known as WAMMCO Select, a payment system underpinned by the VIAscan objective grading tool.
Sheep CRC Meat Program Leader, Prof Dave Pethick, says this heralds an exciting new phase in the Western Australian lamb industry’s progression.
“The Sheep CRC, assisted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) funding, has worked closely with WAMMCO on the research and development of this technology. We see this as a vital tool to allow producers to be paid for delivering what the market wants – high yielding, lean meat,” Prof Pethick said.
And VIAscan can benefit both producers and processors.
“VIAscan has the potential to benefit producers by providing increased feedback on their carcases and access to payment options rewarding carcases with higher lean meat yields. In turn, this incentive helps deliver higher yielding, lean lamb for processors and their customers,” Prof Pethick said.
He says the key is to understand and make use of the Sheep Genetics’ Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV).
“The best results are gained when rams are specifically selected so their traits match the ewe base and can meet target carcase weights. This is easily and best achieved with ASBVs,” Prof Pethick said.
Dr Pethick said the installation of VIAscan® into a processing facility also significantly facilitates production efficiency.
“It can remove human error and the need for subjective grading, allows the carcases to be sorted and delivered into chillers in uniform lines, and can also help improve the rate of abattoir throughput,” he said.
“The Sheep CRC has the key objectives of lifting sheep industry productivity, meat-eating quality and profitability; and it is through the adoption and commercialisation of proven tools such as VIAscan and ASBVs that we are seeing these major gains being achieved.”
