Injection Site Lesions:

by Eldon J. Hans, Past Beef Quality Assurance Program Manager, Iowa Cattlemen's Association

Following the 1991 National Beef Quality Audit, NCBA commissioned Colorado State University to conduct quarterly top sirloin butt injection-site audits. The data from these audits serve as a means of monitoring the progress made by the industry in reducing/eliminating top sirloin injection site abscesses, lesions and scars.

The audits are conducted at selected major retailers and steak cutter establishments across the United States. The lesion incidence rate data is col­lected by evaluating the total number of top sirloin subprimals processed at each designated establish­ment during a normal eight hour processing period. The same retailer and steak cutter establishments participate in each quarterly audit. There are usually in excess of 13,000 top sirloin butts evaluated in each of the audits. The total number varies depending on the number of top sirloins each establishment is cut­ting at any given audit and seasonal variations due occur.

The average trim per lesion is currently approx­imately 8 ounces per lesion, which results in an esti­mated tissue loss of $7.05 per head of fed cattle slaughtered. In addition to this tissue loss, Colorado State's research indicates a toughening effect three inches from the site of the injection.

For these reasons, you will note an emphasis on placing all injections ahead of the (shoulder) scapula. Please note the muscle below. The concern for injec­tion site damage must continue until this tissue loss approaches zero.