Evaluation of Beef Marbling Grade Based on Advanced Watershed Algorithm and Neural Network

As to the problem of inaccurate in traditional grade method of beef marbling, a automatic grading system based on computer vision had been founded and was used to predict the beef quality grade of Chinese yellow cattle. Image processing was used to automatically evaluate the beef marbling grade. Segmentation methods used in ribeye image of beef carcass was improved watershed algorithm. All grading indicators were obtained by image processing automatically. Four grading indicators, which characterize the size, number and distribution of marbling particles, were proposed for the inputs of neural network prediction model. The experimental results indicated that the image processing methods were effective. The grading system based on computer vision and neural network model can better predict the beef quality grading. The prediction accuracy of beef marbling grade was 86.84%. Algorithm proposed in this study proved the image processing and neural network modeling is an effective method for beef marbling grading.