At the top of the supply chain
The farm is the vital first stage in the supply chain, and from the day the animal is born, key decisions are made here that will, during the course of its life, define the eating quality of its meat.
Quality Meat Scotland recommends that where at all possible, a chef should visit a farm to fully understand the importance of the farmer’s role in the supply chain.
Quality Meat Scotland and Scotland’s farmers are tirelessly committed to close adherence and constant review of the very best farming practices:
- Feeding and management to achieve constant and acceptable growth rates
- Careful handling and transportation of animals
- Minimising mixing of unfamiliar animals
- Avoiding growth checks
- Avoiding slaughter soon after diet changes
Why animal welfare is good for meat quality as well as for the animals
The supply chain of Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb illustrated (from Farmer to Consumer)
Meat quality and subsequent shelf life can be affected by respect for the animals’ welfare, in particular careful handling and transportation immediately prior to slaughter.
Stress triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline into the bloodstream, stimulating the metabolism of muscles and ultimately meat quality problems in the carcase. There are three main factors that increase the amount of stress:
- Social, for example the mixing of groups of animals, leading to disruption of hierarchy and potential bullying
- Environmental, such as extremes of temperature
- Physical, which includes stresses imposed during movement, transportation and slaughter