1Department of Livestock Products Technology, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Jaipur-302 001, Rajasthan, India
2ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Tonk-304 501, Rajasthan, India
*Corresponding Author: Y.P. Gadekar, ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad-500 092, Telangana, India, Email: yogirajlpt@gmail.com
Online published on 9 August, 2024.
Small ruminants play a vital role in livelihood and nutritional security in India. The sheep population in the country is showing positive growth. Malpura sheep from the semi-arid region of India is an important mutton purpose breed.
Twenty-four animals viz., ram lamb (G-Rl), ewe lamb (G-El) (10-12 months each), ram (G-Ra) and ewe (G-Ea) (20-24 months each) were slaughtered to assess carcass traits and meat quality.
The average pre-slaughter weight and dressing yield on an empty live weight basis for G-Rl G-El G-Ra and G-Ea groups were 23.83, 17.00, 35.82 and 28.08 kg; 52.35, 51.26, 53.70 and 52.93% respectively. The loin eye area (cm2) differed significantly. The weights of edible and inedible offals were significantly higher (P<0.001) in males in the same age group. The average lean content in different cut-up parts was higher (P<0.05) in G-3(G-Ra). The shear force values and other meat quality attributes were significantly different among the groups. It is concluded that age and sex had a significant effect on carcass traits and meat quality in Malpura sheep.
Age, Carcass traits, Malpura sheep, Meat quality, Sex
