L.EQT.1807 - Determining the impact of long distance road and rail transport on the eating quality of beef

Summary

This project investigated whether long-duration road and rail transport impacts the eating quality of beef from northern Australian cattle. The study involved 920 cattle across four large-scale commercial transport experiments, generating more than 4,000 consumer-tested beef samples and over 6,000 consumer assessments. Results showed that transport method (road or rail), and duration, did not affect eating quality. The findings support the introduction of a new MSA pathway for cattle transported by road and/or rail for extended durations, enabling more northern cattle to qualify for MSA grading.

Objectives

The project aimed to:

- Compare road and rail transport over equivalent time periods.
- Assess the impact of pre-slaughter rest periods versus slaughter within 12 hours of arrival.
- Compare extended rail journeys (up to four days) with shorter road journeys.
- Investigate relationships between transport-related stress indicators and consumer eating quality outcomes.

Key findings

•    Long-duration transport by road or rail did not consistently affect beef eating quality, as measured by consumer sensory scores (MQ4). 
•    Across four commercial-scale experiments, no repeatable negative impacts of transport duration up to 120 hours were identified. 
•    Extended feedlot resting periods (13–35 days) improved MSA compliance and growth performance but did not improve eating quality. 
•    Longer lairage periods generally improved MSA compliance through reduced ultimate pH but had limited direct impact on consumer eating quality outcomes. 
•    The existing MSA prediction model remained robust and accurate for cattle subjected to extended transport durations. 
•    Results supported the creation of a new MSA long-duration road and rail pathway allowing:
- Slaughter within 120 hours of property dispatch;
- Maximum combined truck/rail journey of 84 hours;
- Feed and water provided at extended rest points;
- Up to three load/unload events.

Benefits to industry

The research supports the introduction of a new MSA pathway for cattle transported by long-duration road and rail systems, enabling many northern Australian cattle that were previously ineligible for MSA grading to access premium value-based marketing opportunities.

The adoption of this pathway is expected to increase industry profitability, improve market access for northern producers, strengthen supply chain flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the MSA grading system.

MLA action

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

Future research

•    Further investigation of stress and hunger effects during extended transport and lairage.
•    Evaluating the relationship between loin pH and animal nutritional or stress status.
•    Improving understanding of carcase shrinkage associated with transport duration and time off feed.
•    Assessing the impact of feeding strategies during lairage on eating quality, dressing percentage, and MSA compliance.