Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Beef tenderness predictor works for pork

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

A beef tenderness predictor also works on pork chops, says the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).The technology is based on visible and near-infrared reflectance (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy and predicts tenderness without destroying the valuable parts of the carcass. The tenderness predictor was validated using a shear cutting test to measure tenderness. It can be used to predict which USDA Select grade beef steaks will be tender when cooked.

Pork isn't presented for grading the same way, so the challenge was different. A computer model was used to predict tenderness and that test was validated using 1,800 boneless loin chops during the boning and trimming process in commercial meat plants. The test also predicts which cuts of meat will look fresh longest in the grocery store.  

If the industry adopts the technology, the ARS' news service says, genetic selection might be based on predictions of the colour of the meat and also of tenderness. BP  

Current Issue

October 2025

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

FCC Reports Trade Pressures on Canadian Food Sector

Thursday, October 9, 2025

The Canadian food and beverage manufacturing sector has experienced slower-than-expected growth in the first half of 2025, with sales and profit margins under pressure due to a challenging trade and economic environment. According to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) Food and Beverage Report... Read this article online

Canada Post strike affecting Harvest Sample Program

Thursday, October 9, 2025

The ongoing Canada Post strike is affecting farmers’ abilities to send harvest samples to the Canadian Grain Commission. Growers participating in the voluntary Harvest Sample Program, which provides free unofficial grade and quality results, will have to make other arrangements. On its... Read this article online

Gleaner T Series Combine Updates

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Gleaner continues to advance harvest technology with its new T Series combine, delivering major improvements in power, reliability, and ease of operation. Designed with the farmer in mind, the T Series focuses on performance, accessibility, and cutting-edge precision tools for... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top