A hedonic model of lamb carcass attributes

Lamb carcass value is widely reported to be a function of lean meat yield, which is the relationship between muscle, fat and bone. Five retailers and five wholesalers assessed 47 lamb carcasses from diverse genotypes and scored seven attributes. A hedonic model reveals that conformation attributes were more highly valued (16 c/kg) relative to yield characteristics (4 c/kg). Meat colour and fat distribution were significant for retailers, but less important for wholesalers. Genotype was not a strong indicator of conformation. Eye muscle area and depth were correlated with Fat C; however, these were not significant. These results indicate that carcass conformation, meat colour and fat distribution should be incorporated into carcass grading models.Hedonic, lamb, conformation and meat value, attributes, Livestock Production/Industries,

Evaluation of Triaxial Testing Equipment and Methodologies of Three Agencies

To obtain reliable and consistent shear strength results, which are essential in the design of earth structures, from triaxial tests, careful attention, skill, and judgement must be given to testing procedures and equipment make-up. There are many sources of potential errors in the test, especially when pore pressures are monitored. Consequently, a question inevitably arises concerning tbe quality of triaxial test results obtained by different geotechnical laboratories. The intent of this study was to initiate and help establish a triaxial testing forum whereby any geotechnical laboratory engaged in triaxial testing can check the quality of their triaxial results, and therefore, evaluate their testing procedures and equipment make-up agamst the results obtained by other agencies. To initiate the forum, isotropically consolidated, undrained triaxial tests with pore pressure measurements were performed by three agencies -- the Divisions of Research and Materials of the Kentucky Department of Transportation and the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Kentucky -- on remolded, standardized kaolinite specimens. The triaxial results reported by each agency and analyses of all data by the Division of Research are reported and shows that the three participating agencies obtained about the same results. The forum will be useful to any governmental agency for accrediting any geotechnical laboratory performing work for that agency

Lime Stabilization of Pavement Subgrade Soils of Section AA-19 of the Alexandria-Ashland Highway

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effects of hydrated lime on the soils from Section AA-19 of the Alexandria-Ashland Highway and determine if the engineering properties of the soils from Section AA-19 could be improved by lime stabilization. Soil samples used in the study were obtained by· the Kentucky Transportation Research Program on March 25, 1986. Three bag samples were collected from Section AA-19 (Lewis County, Kentucky) of the Alexandria-Ashland Highway, Stations 1630 (Sample A), 1495 (Sample B), and 1675+50 (Sample C), respectively. Based on a review of the geology of Section AA-19, the three sampling sites are directly underlain by the Crab Orchard Formation. The study was authorized by contract dated April 4, 1986 (Purchase Order No. ML86-1248), between the Kentucky Transportation Research Program, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, and the Dravo Lime Company of Maysville, Kentucky. Authorization to proceed with the work was given by Mr. Ward Blakefield of the Dravo Lime Company. The scope and specific engineering services to be performed are outlined in the purchase order contract. Preliminary test results (1) were submitted to the Dravo Lime Company on July 30, 1986

The Place of Crossbred Lambs in Australian Lamb Production

The Australian sheep industry, particularly the lamb meat sector has undergone a major change in focus, such that consumer requirements are a paramount determinant for production and processing developments. This change has been facilitated by the use of cross breeding production systems where the benefits of heterosis are captured and the implementation of a performance recording system amongst initially, breeders of terminal sires. This sector of the industry has strongly embraced genetic selection using objectively measured traits and this is one of the contributors to the superior growth rate of crossbred progeny over pure bred progeny. A crossbreeding system does present challenges as it can also lead to fatter carcases depending on slaughter weight targets and thus less lean or saleable meat. This means that appropriate sire selection is mandatory. Which ever region of the world is under consideration; crossbreeding for meat production will return benefits and these will be further strengthened if the processing sector also adopts technology to enhance eating quality such as electrical stimulation and ageing

Mechanical & Engineering Properties of a Cherty Paleozoic Material

The Divide Cut Section 3A of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway is located in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. Construction of this portion of the canal required the excavation of a cherty residuum. This material (hereafter referred to as cherty Paleozoic material) is a member of the Fort Payne Formation, of the Mississippian Period, of the Paleozoic era. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanical and engineering properties of the material, including its abrasiveness. Also, the mineralogy of the material was to be determined and a particular effort was made to determine if the material could be classified as Tripoli. On June 22, 1982, a test pit was excavated east of the canal at Station 13179+75. The excavation was made with a tracked backhoe to a depth of approximately 16.4 feet. Excavation was done and samples were collected under the direct supervision of two geotechnical engineers of the Kentucky Transportation Research Program of the University of Kentucky. The soil profile encountered at the test pit is illustrated in Figure 1. The location of sampling depths is listed in the same figure. All samples collected were sealed immediately to prevent a loss of moisture while being transported to the laboratory

Geotechnical, Hydrologic, and Hydraulic Investigation of Mill Creek Dam-Phase II

The general scope of this study, Phase II, was to assess the safety of Mill Creek Dam. Findings obtained from detailed geotechnical, hydraulic, and hydrological investigations are presented. The structural stability, as well as the hydrological and hydraulic stability, were investigated. Specifically, objectives of the study were as follows: 1. To determine the engineering characteristics of the clay core, shells, and random fill. 2. To evaluate the potential for piping. 3. To evaluate seepage conditions at the site. 4. To evaluate the structural stability of the earth and rockfill dam. 5. To evaluate erodability. 6. To assess geologic conditions at the site. 7. To evaluate existing and required spillway hydraulics and hydrology of the site. 8. To analyze requirements for a drawdown facility. 9. To evaluate alternative remedial measures that could be used to correct deficiencies in the dam. This study presents data relating to the degree of safety and alternative remedial schemes. Information presented herein will aid in the final selection of the remedial method and in implementing remedial construction. Development of detailed remedial plans, however, was not within the scope of this study

Modification of Highway Soil Subgrades

Major study objectives were to develop highway pavement subgrade stabilization guidelines, examine long-term benefits of chemical stabilizers, such as cement, hydrated lime, and two byproducts from industrial processes, and to establish a subgrade stabilization program in Kentucky. In developing a program, a number of design and construction issues had to be resolved. Factors affecting subgrade behavior are examined. Changes in moisture content and CBR strengths of untreated and chemically treated subgrades at three experimental highway routes were monitored over a 7- year period. CBR strengths of the untreated subgrades decreased dramatically while moisture contents increased. CBR strengths of subgrade sections treated with hydrated lime, cement, and multicone kiln dust generally exceeded 12 and increased over the study period. At four other highway routes ranging in ages from 10 to 30 years, CBR strengths of soil-cement subgrades exceeded 90. Knowing when subgrade stabilization is needed is critical to the development of an economical design and to insure the efficient construction of pavements. Bearing capacity analyses using a newly developed, stability model based on limit equilibrium and assuming a tire contact stress of 552 kPa show that stabilization should be considered when the CBR strength is less than 6.5. For other tire contact stresses, relationships corresponding to factors of safety of 1 and 1.5 are presented. Stability analyses of the first lifts of the paving materials show that CBR strengths of the untreated subgrade should be about 9 or greater. Guidelines for using geogrids as subgrade reinforcement are presented. Factors of safety of geogrid reinforced granular bases are approximately 10 to 25 percent larger than granular bases without reinforcement. As shown by strength tests and stability analysis, when the percent finer than the 0.002mm-particle size of a soil increases to a value greater than about 15 percent, the factor of safety decreases significantly. Guidelines are also presented for the selection of the design strengths of untreated and treated subgrades with hydrated lime and cement Based on a number of stabilization projects, recommended design undrained shear strengths of hydrated lime-and cement-treated subgrades are about 300 and 690 kPa, respectively. A laboratory testing procedure for determining the optimum percentage of chemical admixture is described. Correlations of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer and the Clegg Impact Hammer values and in situ CBR strengths and unconfined compressive strengths are presented

Engineering Properties of Two Spent Shales and Minus 1/4-Inch Raw Shale for the Means Project

A geotechnical investigation was performed to determine the physical properties (classification) and engineering properties of the Sunbury oil shale from a proposed oil shale mining site in Montgomery County (Means Project). Three materials were recieved in sealed metal drums and were labeled Raw Oil Shale (only material less than 0.25 inch), Sunbury, spent shale, and Sunbury shale (2.5-inch to 1/4-inch). The material labeled Sunbury, spent shale, (hereafter referred to as Spent Shale No. 1), has very little fines and the particles were angular in shape. The Sunbury, spent shale, 2.5-inch to 0.25 inch, (hereafter referred to as Spent Shale No. 2), was subangular or rounded in shape. The various types of geotechnical laboratory tests performed on these materials are listed in Table 1

Some Uncertainties of Slope Stability Analyses

Some practical limitations of total stress and effective stress analyses are discussed. For clays having a liquidity index of 0.36 or greater, φ-equal-zero analyses based on laboratory undrained shear strengths give factors of safety close to the actual factor of safety. However, based on field vane strengths, φ-equal-zero analyses may yield factors of safety which may be too high. The difference between field vane and calculated shear strengths increased as the plasticity index increased. For clays having a liquidity index less than 0.36, φ-equal-zero analyses using laboratory undrained shear strengths give factors of safety that are much too high; but the strength parameters can be corrected by the empirical relationship presented herein. An empirical relationship for correcting vane shear strength is also presented. A method is proposed for predicting the probable success of a φ-equal-zero analysis. Data suggest that overconsolidated clays and clay shales or clays having a liquidity index less than 0.36 pose the greatest slope design dilemma. An effective stress analysis based on peak triaxial shear strength parameters generally yields factors of safety which are too high; residual shear strength parameters frequently yield factors of safety which are too low. To approximate the theoretical strength of an overconsolidated clay which has undergone a process of softening, the effective stress parameters might be obtained from triaxial tests performed on remolded, normally consolidated clay. It is suggested the soil be remolded to a moisture content equal to the plastic limit plus the product of 0.36 and the plasticity index