Relating the Canadian and Japanese beef grading sites

Abstract

The potential applicability of this study lies in the ability to use Canadian grades to segregate carcasses that are likely to achieve Japan Meat Grading Association (JMGA) grades ranging from JMGA 3 to low JMGA 5 in marbling. The findings indicate that high Canada AAA grades correspond to high JMGA 3 and low JMGA 4 grades. Carcasses classified within the Canada Prime quality grade are predominantly aligned with high JMGA 4 and low JMGA 5. Moreover, a significant proportion of carcasses (66.7 %) within the Canada 1 retail cut yield class were comparable to JMGA A, whereas Canada 2 and 3 were largely aligned with JMGA B. The frequency analysis further revealed that Canada 4 retail cut yield carcasses were more likely to be classified as JMGA B (63.5 %) and JMGA C (36.5 %). However, the frequencies within Canada 5 and the Japanese estimated yield showed inconclusive results, with carcasses potentially qualifying as either JMGA B or JMGA C. These estimations could provide valuable insights for the beef industry, enabling the segregation of carcasses based on Japanese market requirements. By using Canadian grades, it may be possible to identify and segregate those carcasses that could potentially achieve JMGA 3 to low JMGA 5 marbling grades, thus meeting the specific demands of the Japanese market.

Keywords: Canada grade site; Carcass yield; Cattle; Japan grade site; Marbling.