Turn Larger Livestock into profit opportunities New alternative carcase cutting specifications have been developed specifically for larger beef cattle that will benefit the industry. AHDB has recently undertaken analysis of both smaller and larger cattle, with consistent animal age being the most important factor, and has developed a range of cuts utilising seam butchery. Smaller cattle produce smaller muscles, which makes the manufacture and process of these smaller muscles into traditional steaks and joints easier to manage. Equipment is traditionally configured to handle this size more efficiently. The issue with larger cattle has been that if cut in the traditional manner, the consumer ends up with a thin, larger surface, as the processor/retailer are governed by weight parameters along with pack sizes. Livestock age at slaughter is important with 16-24 month fast finished cattle providing optimum market opportunities. Important to remember is that feed conversion efficiency (FCE) reduces as animals get older and heavier. Genetics play an important role also in providing fast finishing high yield cattle and are explained in more detail inside the leaflet.
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