Beef Q Project

The BeefQ project aimed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the Welsh Beef supply chain by developing and testing a technology (based on the Australian Meat Standard (MSA) system) that provides a sound scientific basis for demonstrating the eating quality (EQ) of Welsh Beef to consumers.

As well as building capacity and confidence in the Welsh Beef sector through the development and testing of this technology, BeefQ aimed to demonstrate how the data collected through this system can be used for improved business decision making and how it can provide opportunities for improved supply chain co-operation and communication.

The pre-competitive nature of the BeefQ project also aimed to contribute to the long-term sustainability of Welsh Beef producers and supply chains post Brexit.  The project was coordinated by Aberystwyth University, with core partners from Hybu Cig Cymru, Celtica Foods Ltd, Birkenwood International (Australia), Queens University Belfast and Menter a Busnes, and invaluable support from beef processors ABP Food Group, Dunbia, Dovecote Park, Randall Parker Food Group, Cig Calon Cymru and Kepak.

Further Research

Further research is needed in the UK to take the beef eating quality agenda forward including how eating quality fits in with the environmental quality agenda; how selecting for 9 efficient animals affects eating quality; identifying potential trade-offs/synergies between eating quality improvement and performance objectives, more pilots and trialling on eating quality prediction, particularly in the context of larger meat processing businesses, and finally development of a set of standards for eating quality prediction in the UK.