Particle size turns finishing-diet fibre into a meat-quality management variable
A finishing ration cannot be adequately described by its total fibre percentage alone. An update published by Michigan State University Extension on October 26 focuses on physically effective neutral detergent fibre (peNDF): the share of fibre whose structure and particle size promote rumination and help stabilise ruminal pH. For feedlot cattle, that makes particle size an operational variable rather than merely a nutritional one.
Raw chicken pet food shows that cold-chain safety extends into the home
On October 26, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory concerning two lots of frozen cat food made with raw chicken after its testing detected Salmonella. The advisory concerns specific lots of Natural Selections Chicken Recipe for Cats, sold by subscription in two-pound packs divided into four units. FDA states that the company had not initiated an adequate recall at that point.
Processing investment creates value only when regional capacity can actually be used
On October 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced planned investments totalling $57.424 million to expand meat-processing capacity and create better marketing options for ranchers. The funding is linked to the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program and covers 147 tentative awards in 40 states, subject to congressional appropriation.
Premium meat communication needs to separate sensory proof from origin claims
France is preparing a new communication phase for beef, veal, lamb and pork carrying the Label Rouge and PGI designations. A call published on October 26 by Interbev, FIL Rouge and SYLAPORC seeks an agency to develop the programme for 2027, 2028 and 2029. The initiative includes communication around Concours Général Agricole awards, the Trophée National des Viandes d’excellence and the annual November fortnight dedicated to quality and origin.
Broiler availability must be managed by cut, bird size and sales channel
The U.S. broiler market on October 22 showed a cut-by-cut picture rather than a uniform trend for the whole carcass. The daily USDA Agricultural Marketing Service report described adequate plant inventories, fair to moderate demand for smaller birds and an overall market that was broadly steady. Wings and tenders continued to trade low; dark meat remained fully steady, while drumsticks had recently been discounted.
