Characterisation of beef production systems and their effects on carcass and meat quality traits of Piemontese young bulls

Abstract Using the Piemontese breed as a case study, we characterised beef production systems within the EU classification, and investigated their effects on carcass and meat quality traits. The research involved 1,327 young bulls fattened on 115 farms. The production systems identified by hierarchical cluster analysis were: traditional (restricted feeding and either tie-stalls or loose-housing), modern breeders and fatteners and specialised fatteners (the last two were divided in those using or not using total mixed rations). Despite the large variability in management techniques within production systems, production systems affected (P Longissimus thoracis was the only meat quality trait affected (P