Carcass characteristics of goats and sheep in Northeast Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-3921.pab1983.v18.15226Keywords:
sheep breeds, goat breeds, castrated lambs, castrated kids, tropical semi-and regionAbstract
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.