Extraction of Computer Image Analysis Information by Desk Top Computer from Beef Carcass Cross Sections

The precision and reliability of the Computer Image Analysis technique using a desk top computer for extracting information from carcass cross section scans was evaluated by the repeatability (R) and coefficient of variation (CV) for error variance. The 6th and 7th ribs cross section of carcasses from 55 fattened Japanese Black steers were used. The image analysis was conducted using a desk top computer (Macintosh-Apple Vision 1710 Display) connected to a scanner and an image capture camera. Two software applications, Adobe Photoshop and Mac Scope were used interchangeably. The information extracted and measured were individual muscle area, circumference length, long and short axes lengths, muscle direction; distance between any two muscle centers of gravity; cross section total area, lean, fat, and bone. The information was extracted after the processes of scanning, digitization, masking, muscle separation, and binarization. When using the Computer Image Analysis technique by desk top computer, proper digitization and selection of scanning resolution are very important in order to obtain accurate information. The R-values for muscle area, circumference, long and axes lengths, and direction ranged from 0.95 to 0.99, whereas those of the distance between any two muscle centers of gravity ranged from 0.96 to 0.99, respectively. For the cross section total area, lean, fat, and bone it ranged from 0.83 to 0.99. Excellent repeatability measurements were observed for muscle direction and distance between any two muscle centers of gravity. The results indicate that the Computer Image Analysis technique using a desk top computer for extracting information from carcass cross section is reliable and has high precision.