Fusion of three spectroscopic techniques for prediction of fatty acid in processed lamb.

The application of individual spectroscopic techniques for meat analysis has been widely explored. Attempts to fuse data from multiple spectroscopic instruments for meat analysis are still lacking. Comparative assessment of the performance of mid infrared (MIR), near infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy to estimate fatty acid (FA) composition in processed lamb was investigated.

Impact of breeding for reduced methane emissions in New Zealand sheep on maternal and health traits.

Enteric methane emissions from ruminants account for ∼35% of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions. This poses a significant threat to the pastoral sector. Breeding has been shown to successfully lower methane emissions, and genomic prediction for lowered methane emissions has been introduced at the national level.

Genetic variation in skin traits in New Zealand lambs.

Background: This study explored the genetic variability in the New Zealand sheep population for economically important skin traits. Skins were collected at slaughter from two progeny test flocks, resulting in 725 skins evaluated for grain strain, flatness, crust leather strength and overall suitability for shoe leather. DNA profiles collected from skins post-slaughter were matched to individual animals using previously collected high-density genotypes.

Evaluating low- mid- and high-level fusion strategies for combining Raman and infrared spectroscopy for quality assessment of red meat.

The implementation of Raman and infrared spectroscopy with three data fusion strategies to predict pH and % IMF content of red meat was investigated. Raman and FTIR systems were utilized to assess quality parameters of intact red meat. Quantitative models were built using PLS, with model performances assessed with respect to the determination coefficient (R), root mean square error and normalized root mean square error (NRMSEP).

Rapid discrimination of intact beef, venison and lamb meat using Raman spectroscopy.

With increasing demand for fast and reliable techniques for intact meat discrimination, we explore the potential of Raman spectroscopy in combination with three chemometric techniques to discriminate beef, lamb and venison meat samples. Ninety (90) intact red meat samples were measured using Raman spectroscopy, with the acquired spectral data preprocessed using a combination of rubber-band baseline correction, Savitzky-Golay smoothing and standard normal variate transformation. PLSDA and SVM classification were utilized in building classification models for the meat discrimination, whereas PCA was used for exploratory studies.

Genetic parameters of methane emissions determined using portable accumulation chambers in lambs and ewes grazing pasture and genetic correlations with emissions determined in respiration chambers.

Methane (CH4) emission traits were previously found to be heritable and repeatable in sheep fed alfalfa pellets in respiration chambers (RC). More rapid screening methods are, however, required to increase genetic progress and to provide a cost-effective method to the farming industry for maintaining the generation of breeding values in the future. The objective of the current study was to determine CH4 and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions using several 1-h portable accumulation chamber (PAC) measurements from lambs and again as ewes while grazing ryegrass-based pasture.

Genetic diversity of a New Zealand multi-breed sheep population and composite breeds' history revealed by a high-density SNP chip.

Background: Knowledge about the genetic diversity of a population is a crucial parameter for the implementation of successful genomic selection and conservation of genetic resources. The aim of this research was to establish the scientific basis for the implementation of genomic selection in a composite Terminal sheep breeding scheme by providing consolidated linkage disequilibrium (LD) measures across SNP markers, estimating consistency of gametic phase between breed-groups, and assessing genetic diversity measures, such as effective population size (N), and population structure parameters, using a large number of animals (n = 14,845) genotyped with a high density SNP chip (606,006 markers). Information generated in this research will be useful for optimizing molecular breeding values predictions and managing the available genetic resources.

Prediction of genomic breeding values for growth, carcass and meat quality traits in a multi-breed sheep population using a HD SNP chip.

Background: New Zealand has some unique Terminal Sire composite sheep breeds, which were developed in the last three decades to meet commercial needs. These composite breeds were developed based on crossing various Terminal Sire and Maternal breeds and, therefore, present high genetic diversity compared to other sheep breeds. Their breeding programs are focused on improving carcass and meat quality traits.