Abstract
Background: 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. Methods: 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. Result: 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 less than 0.001) in males in the same age group. The average lean content in different cut-up parts was higher (P less than 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.
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