NEW HOLDING PERIODS FOR STOCK

Press, 15 October 1976, Page 15

NEW HOLDING PERIODS FOR STOCK

New pre - slaughter holding periods now apply to adult sheep and cattle sent to freezing works. Adult sheep and cattle arriving at works before noon may be killed the following morning but those reaching works after midday have to be held for 24 hours before they are slaughtered. According to Mr J. D. McNab, Director of the Meat Division of the Minstry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the holding

period will give stock time to recover from trucking stress and to empty out before slaughter. Last year, 10 per cent of all sheep carcases had to be trimmed because of contamination during dressing, he said. “Washing merely spreads paunch contents and faeces, so there is no way to avoid trimming once contamination occurs. “If sheep and cattle have time to empty out before slaughter, the possibility of contamination occurring is reduced.” What, was more, overseas markets were becoming more discerning in their requirements for clean, high-quality meat, he said.

“And with good reason are insisting on a preslaughter rest period for stock. Meat from tired or agitated animals, delivered directly to the sticking pens, can be tough and keeping qualities can also be affected.” Mr McNab said it had been clear since 1972 that the E.E.C. required a 24hour holding period and meat of specified quality. “Implementation could not be deferred indefinitely without leaving hard-won markets in a very vulnerable position.” he said. In the case of lambs, those arriving at the works by midnight can be killed first thing the following morning.