A Comparison of Residual GFAP Levels on the Blade, in the Nose Wheel Housing, and in the Drive Wheel Housing of the Jarvis Buster IX and Buster IV Carcass Splitting Saws Before and After Dipping

Findings: In a recent study, both the Jarvis Buster IX and Buster IV saws harbored CNS tissue on the blade, in the drive wheel housing, and in the nose wheel housing in samples taken on-line in a commercial beef packing facility. The Buster IX has a newer internal washing system; including a water flushing system for both the nose wheel and drive wheel housings. Use of the Buster IX resulted in both a lower count of GFAP f-ELISA positive samples and a lower amount of GFAP material remaining on the blade after dipping in a 180 ºF dipping vat for 1-2 seconds. The Buster IX had less residual GFAP in the nose wheel housing but an equal number of GFAP positive samples. However, the Buster IX had a greater amount of residual GFAP material in the drive wheel housing than the Buster IV. Results of this study suggest that the Buster IX may be more effective a reducing the amount of residual GFAP present in the saw than the Buster IV.