NANTA bets again on the National Sheep and Cattle Markets

Segovia hosted the XVII edition of the National Sheep Market and the VII edition of the National Cattle Market on May 4th, as well as the traditional day focused on sheep with the active collaboration of NANTA, a leading company in the production and marketing of feed in the Iberian Peninsula, which this year focused on highlighting the value of sheep meat.

Lamb production, whose consumption in Spain is low (1.53 kilos per inhabitant per year) compared to other meats such as pork or chicken, preferred by younger people. This has led to a 32% drop in the national sheep census over the last decade.

Based on these premises, the day’s program focused on fundamental aspects related to the consumption and quality of sheep meat, its durability, and its contribution to the economy of the Castilian-Leonese region, resulting in a great success, both in terms of the number of attendees, more than 300 sector operators, and the interest aroused among them by the different topics discussed.

José Antonio Beltrán, professor of Food Science and Technology at the University of Zaragoza, analyzed the importance of color as an organoleptic characteristic of sheep meat essential for the consumer at the time of purchase. He presented several interesting and innovative strategies to achieve a more attractive and longer-lasting color in meat packaged in modified protective atmosphere, such as the use of plant extracts as a varnish on the inside of the packaging.

Carlos Pérez and José María Bello, from Nanta’s Sheep and Goats Department, analyzed the evaluation systems of another fundamental aspect for consumption, the durability of sheep meat, considering certain factors related to animal feeding that can be decisive in this aspect.

They also analyzed the results of a research work carried out over several years jointly by the Nutreco Ruminant Research Center, the company Franco y Navarro, and some Spanish and European universities. The most practical aspects of this work consist of defining a visual evaluation method for meat packaged in a modified atmosphere and creating an application to predict the shelf life of packaged meat, from the point of view of color stability and based on the dose and type of vitamin E used in feeding.

María Sánchez, general secretary of Cedecarne (Spanish Confederation of Meat Retailers), pointed out the future trends in sheep meat consumption, starting from the current situation with a declining consumption of 1.53 kg of meat per inhabitant per year. These trends will be marked, as she explained, by new cuts and presentations more in line with the current lifestyle, without forgetting the health benefits of this type of meat.

Finally, Miguel Cardoso, chief economist for Spain and Portugal at BBVA Research, highlighted key aspects and perspectives of the Castilian-Leonese economy – in which livestock and agriculture play a key role – in a favorable environment for the national and European economy and with low interest rates, although with rising expectations.

Subsequently, the sectoral tables of the National Cattle and Sheep Markets present at the event were held, and price trends for the following week were set, after the corresponding debates and comments by the representatives of the producers and marketers of each Market.

With support for the twelfth consecutive year for the National Sheep Market and the fourth consecutive year for the Cattle Market, Nanta once again demonstrates its commitment to training and advancing livestock farming in our country as key economic sectors for its development.

GET TO KNOW NANTA

Nanta, a leading company in the manufacture and marketing of compound feed in the Iberian Peninsula, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It began its activity in 1968 and since then the high degree of commitment to its customers and the world of livestock production in general, the technology used, and its R&D&i and quality programs have been a true driving force for progress in this industrial sector. A clear vocation and commitment to innovation that the company maintains and will continue to maintain in the future.

Part of the multinational Nutreco, NANTA has 19 production centers equipped with cutting-edge technology, all certified under the ISO 14001 environmental standard and OHSAS18000 occupational risk prevention standard. Notably, the ISO22000 Food Safety certification guarantees the safety and quality of the company’s products. Its portfolio of more than 200 products includes feed for white and Iberian pigs, for rabbit and poultry farming, for beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats, and for feeding dogs, cats, and horses.