The trial on mechanical classification, the results of which I launched last week, involved a comprehensive examination of the ability of three machines to predict fat and conformation class based on the EUROP grid given to carcases by a panel of three classifiers and also to estimate meat yield.
The trial showed that the machines were able to predict conformation and meat yield with a relatively high degree of accuracy, but they had a significantly lower accuracy level in the case of fat cover. In general, the conclusion can be drawn that mechanical classification has considerable potential but the machines tested did not achieve the level of accuracy set down by the European Commission in its initial draft regulation for the standards to be attained by these machines prior to their approval for use in the classification of carcasses. However, following representations by my Department, the Commission now proposes to allow for further trials prior to setting down precise standards which these machines must achieve.