Ireland-based GM Steel Fabricators Ltd. (gmSTEEL) has successfully carried out the homologation process in Spain and Poland of a new system for the automatic classification of pig carcasses called gmSCAN.

The system can classify carcasses at a speed of up to 900 pigs per hour and provides detailed information on the composition of different parts of the carcass, including the prediction of weight and the percentage of lean meat in the most important pieces, such as the ham, loin, belly and shoulder, the company said.

In information provided to the European Union's Community Research & Development Information Service (CORDIS), gmSTEEL said gmSCAN is a magnetic induction scanner that will automatically grade pig carcasses according to the SEUROP scheme.

In addition, gmSCAN employs a contact-less inspection method that preserves the integrity and physical characteristics of the meat and avoids the risk of cross contamination, the company added.

The method is based on the analysis of the response of the fatty and lean tissues of the carcass subjected to the action of a variable and low-intensity magnetic field.

According to gmSTEEL, the main features and functionalities of the system include:

The scanner provides high robustness, precision and reliability in the prediction of the lean meat percentage and the composition of the primal cuts, gmSTEEL said. The magnetic induction response correlates directly with the amount of lean tissue and is independent of pig breed or genetics.

The gmSCAN has been designed for classification of pig carcasses in a vertical position, which facilitates the integration of the system in the slaughter line and significantly reduces its integration costs, gmSTEEL explained.

The company said certification trials were carried out in June by the competent bodies in Spain (IRTA) and Poland (IBPRS) and have been passed successfully in both countries.

GmSTEEL was founded 25 years ago and provides a comprehensive range of equipment and services for abattoirs and processing plants of all sizes. While specialized in beef and lamb processing and deboning operations, the company also has a significant number of projects dealing with handling pigs and other animals such as goats, camels and horses.