Simplified Method for Predicting Pounds of Lean in Beef Carcasses

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Abstract
The relationships among selected carcass characteristics, including three longissimus dorsi area measurements and separable lean, were compared using data from 132 steers representing eight breeds. With carcass weight held constant, fat thickness over the rib eye was associated with much more of the variation in pounds of separable carcass lean than was rib eye area. Carcass weight was more closely related to pounds of separable lean than was any other characteristic studied. Equations were developed for predicting carcass leanness. Probably the most valuable prediction equations utilized only fat thickness and carcass weight. These two measurements were associated with over 70% of the variation in separable lean and could be obtained easily and quickly. Predicted values obtained with these equations were comparable in accuracy to those obtained with the Hankins and Howe equation, which utilized the percent lean in the 9–10–11 rib section. Copyright © . .