P.PSH.0513 - MSA Saleyard Pathway Evaluation and Feeding Options

Summary

The desired outcome of this project is to commercially validate the existing MSA saleyard pathway, an extended pathway and feeding pathways, to enable an increase in the growth of MSA graded cattle that can achieve the necessary eating quality compliance.

Objectives

• Determine the viability of extended (48 and 72 hours) pathways as opposed to the current 36 hours requirement.
• Assess feeding onsite pathway – re-establishing MSA eligibility after feeding saleyard cattle a high quality feed post sale process.

Key findings

The 72 hours re-fed treatment had improved consumer scores compared to the control treatment across all sensory attributes of MQ4, tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall liking for both the STR045 (Striploin) and EYE075 (Eye round) cuts, although not significantly different to the other treatment groups.
The 48 hours, seven days and 14 days re-fed treatments had a negative effect, though non-significant across all sensory attributes of MQ4, tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall liking for both the STR045 and EYE075 compared to the direct consignment control treatment group.

Benefits to industry

• The results suggest that the MSA saleyard pathway could be increased up to 48 hours without mixing and providing water only. Although the 72 hours pathway had a positive relationship with all eating quality attributes for both replications, the cattle were provided high-energy feed supplementation for one day at saleyard.
• The 5 point MQ4 score prediction penalty on cut x cook combinations should be applied to all saleyard cattle regardless of pathway.
• The project outcomes will enable the MSA pathways committee to approve further MSA pathways if the data provides adequate validation.

MLA action

This online summary will be published on the MLA R&D website.

Future research

• Although the 72 hours pathway had a positive relationship with all eating quality attributes for both replications, the cattle were provided high-energy feed supplementation for one day at saleyard, further economic analysis related to feed cost and eating quality requires to be conducted.
• More research is needed to identify and quantify the management techniques, stress levels in different treatment groups and causes of the different treatment outcomes for the replicates, allowing for the widespread adoption of a particular method/s for enhancing meat eating quality.
• Consistent pH differences between muscles within a carcase are considered highly likely to impact ultimate eating quality, and in particular flavour development, through interactions with muscle structure and composition, packaging, ageing, and cooking. A better understanding of these relationships could have important ramifications for future MSA grading.