Development of a Led Steer Pathway

Summary

MSA had previously been approached by the RAS (Sydney) and EKKA (Brisbane) Show Societies seeking MSA grading for Led Steer classes.  Prior to this, all entries had been excluded from being MSA eligible due to the competitions not being able to comply with transport and mixing requirements of the MSA Standards which have well documented impacts on carcase eating quality.  This had further implications for sponsorship with key sponsors only willing to purchase MSA eligible cattle.  It was argued that the individual handling and intense feeding associated with preparing and showing steers may render them less susceptible to transport and mixing stress.
To test this hypothesis the two Societies paid for MSA product collection and consumer sensory assessment of 36 striploins from each competition pathway. 
Consumer Sensory results
The collections were conducted as per the MSA sensory protocols including full MSA grading and pH decline data.
All sensory data was analysed by independent statistician, Ray Watson.  The base findings from these 2 trials were;RAS steers showed a score pattern that was 3.78 MQ4 points below the SP2009 model prediction,EKKA steers showed a mean difference of 3 MQ4 points below the SP2009 model prediction.
This makes the standard Saleyard penalty (5 MQ4 points on all cut x cook outputs) appropriate.
The following recommendations have been AGREED on by the members of the MSA Pathways Committee and ENDORSED by the MSA Beef Tasforce.All carcases need to meet the standard MSA minimum requirements for pHu, meat colour and minimum rib fat,All animals to be slaughtered within 24 hours of dispatch from the Showgrounds,All animals are to be on full feed and water prior to dispatch from the Showgrounds,All animals are to have unrestricted access to water in abattoir lairage,Standard MSA requirements relating to cattle mixing be replaced by a 5 MQ4 point reduction on all cut by cook scores. (Equivalent to the MSA Saleyard penalty)