23 September 2011

1 minute read

Europe

Carcase classification provides the basis for calculating the quality and potential meat yield from a carcase, against which the farmer is then paid by the slaughterhouse for that animal.

The Chief Executive of MLCSL, Peter Phythian, said: “Hitting 90 per cent of the market is a real stamp of approval for our carcase classification service."

“Our independent service promotes greater trust in the supply chain between livestock producers and abattoirs.”

MLCSL carcase classification coverage of the beef sector has increased from 59 per cent to 90 per cent since March 2006. Classification services coverage to the sheep sector has increased from 41 per cent to 68 per cent over the same period and for pigs slaughtered in the UK from 62 per cent to 77 per cent.

MLCSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). It specialises in data, advice, logistics and inspection services to the food supply sector. It is run on a commercial basis. The company is managed separately within AHDB. All its costs are fully accounted for within the company and it returns profits to AHDB to supplement levy funds.