A study was carried out during 1981-82, to assess how far the present production of prime beef in Scotland coincided with the declared preferences of the meat trade.

Three main buyer groups were identified, namely, independent butchers, multiple retailers and wholesalers. Each group had differing needs, which can be summarized under the headings of live weight, sex, conformation/fatness and breed type of cattle (Table 5.15.1). Multiple retailers preferred steers between 451 and 550 kg or, in some cases, heavier and there was a general reluctance to accept heifers. Many butchers on the other hand preferred heifers to steers. The weight of heifer preferred was up to 450 kg (to avoid overfatness). The needs of wholesalers, which are not shown in the Table, were best met by a wider weight range of steers — reflecting the need to satisfy different customers and their role in clearing the market.