Carcass characteristics of goats and sheep in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Carcass characteristics of genotypes of goats and sheep were evaluated. The mature ewes belonged to three breeds: (1) Santa Inês, (2) Morada Nova and (3) Crioula. Yearling castrated or non-castrated mate kids belonged (1) to four genotypic groups, local breeds (Moxotó, Marota, Canindé, Repartida); (2) to crosses and grades of Anglo-Nubian, (3) of Bhuj, and (4) SRD. In sheep, marked breed differences were observed in pre-slaughter weight and weights of wet skim, dressed head and pluck. In goats, marked breed differences were observed in pre-slaughter weight, weights of hot carcass and wet skin, lengths of carcass and hind leg, thorax depth and dressing percentages. Castrated kids had higher pre-slaughter and hot carcass weights, but lesser carcass and thorax depth.