Bovine carcass classification in Paraguay: mass analysis of quality and commercial categories in export meatpacking plants

Abstract

This study characterized 260,642 beef carcasses processed in seven export-authorized slaughterhouses in Paraguay, following the criteria established in the Paraguayan Standard NP 20 036 22 for Carcass Classification and Grading. Qualitative variables included commercial category, fat coverage, conformation, and bruise degree, as well as hot carcass weight per category. Observations were recorded by certified technicians and analyzed using non-parametric statistical tools (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney) in R software. Results showed a predominance of carcasses classified as bulls (38.6%), heifers (37.1%), young steers (31.8%), and adult cows (34.1%). Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in average carcass weights across slaughterhouses within each category, reflecting differences in animal types processed per plant. Fat coverage grades 2 (56%) and 1 (42%) were most frequent, indicating moderate and low levels, respectively. Regarding conformation, 52.2% of carcasses were classified as regular and 45.7% as good, with only 0.02% graded as excellent. In terms of animal welfare, 79% of carcasses showed no bruising, and the remainder were mostly grade 1 (limited to subcutaneous tissue). These findings depict the status of carcass grading in Paraguay and highlight the importance of a standardized technical system to support continuous improvement, strengthen traceability, and enhance the competitiveness of Paraguayan beef in global markets.