Determining the origin of beef using NIR is possible in principle, but must be investigated in more detail using reference methods (GC MS). (Verena A. Huck-Pezzei et al (2014))

Meat samples from more than 20 different yearlings were measured for their mineral content. The average potassium, sodium and phosphorous content and that of magnesium, calcium and aluminium are shown in images X+Y. The levels detected correspond to the contents described in the literature.

By means of a main component analysis and using the mineral content, differentiation between male and female animals was attempted. Due to the homogeneous results no differentiation of animals by gender could be achieved.