Combining microscopic methods and computer image analysis for lacunae morpho-metric measurements in poultry and mammal by-products characterization

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of image analysis measurements in combination with the official analytical method (Commission directive 2003/126/EC) for the detection of constituents of animal origin in feedstuffs, in distinguishing between land animals (i.e. poultry vs mammals). Results obtained in the present study indicated that even though most of the variables measured were significantly different between mammalian and poultry in terms of mean, only a few can be used in distinguishing avian vs mammalian material. In conclusion, data presented indicate that some of the variables/descriptors provided by image analysis related to lacunae dimensions and features appear promising for a reliable distinction between animal meal at the level of vertebrate classes, while for further characterization, at higher taxonomic level, contribution of morphological variables deserves further investigation.