EBLEX guidelines reduce dark cutting beef costs

DARK cutting beef can reduce carcase values by as much as £115 per animal, according to new research.

In a bid to help the supply chain reduce this unnecessary cost, EBLEX and the University of Bristol have published new best practice guidelines.

Dark cutting beef can reduce carcase values by as much as £115 per animal, according to new research. 

“Our research shows that the incidence of dark cutting beef is as high as 10% of young bulls slaughtered,” said Kim Matthews, EBLEX Meat Scientist.

“This typically reduces carcase values by around 35p per kilo, even before the high level of bruising which often accompanies dark cutting has been taken into account.”

The new best practice guidelines are designed to reduce stress in the run up to slaughter, which is the major cause of dark cutting beef.

“Mixing unfamiliar animals in the 24 to 48 hours prior to slaughter can lead to fighting and mounting behaviour,” said Phil Hadley, EBLEX South West Regional Manager.

“Our guidelines advise that careful management of bulls in stable social groups is the key to combating these problems and maintaining the value of the carcase.”

>> Download the Best Practice Guidelines

 

Add a Comment

If you would like to leave a comment, please login or register for an account.