May 9, 2007

UK's beef shows improvement

Latest annual carcase classification figures from the English Beef and Lamb Executive show that quality of British beef carcases has reached extensive improvements over the past year.

The British Meat and Livestock Classification (MLC) said in 2006, more than 200,000 prime cattle slaughtered in England show 46 percent of prime beef carcases has met the preferred "R4L or better" specification. This compares with 41 percent of carcases meeting the specification in 2005 and 43 percent in 2004.

The MLC also reports year-on-year improvements in both the leanness and conformation of all three classes of stock (steers, heifers and young bulls) has recorded the best all-round English beef carcase quality of recent years. Most notable progress was recorded in both heifer and young bull carcase quality, with heifers showing visible improvements in both leanness and conformation.

The improved figures reflect the fewer number of young bulls marketed last year and a corresponding increase in the proportion of steers and heifers.

The recorded improvement in carcases is the first time in the recent years and a clear indication that breeding improvements could go along with better management.

Its improvement nevertheless, the 48 percent of carcases still lacks in conformation and well over half failing to meet both the preferred conformation and leanness targets. MLC said there clearly remains considerable room for improvement in responding to the demands of the modern beef market.