Carcass composition of Namaqua Afrikaner, Dorper and SA Mutton Merino ram lambs reared under extensive conditions

A Burger,Swp Cloete,M Muller,Jje Cloete,Lc Hoffman

doi:10.4314/sajas.v43i5.5

Abstract

This study evaluated the differences in the muscle-fat-bone yield of Namaqua Afrikaner (NA), Dorper (D) and SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) ram lambs. The breeds constituted an indigenous, hardy and late maturing, fat-tailed breed (NA), an early maturing, commercial meat breed (D) and a late maturing commercial dual-purpose breed (SAMM). Lambs were slaughtered at 35 (± 8) days post weaning. Carcasses were cooled for 24 h, separated into retail cuts (leg, loin, rib, and shoulder), weighed and deboned. Meat and fat were separated after deboning and weighed to calculate the muscle-fat-bone yield per cut. Least-square means were computed for the respective breeds, using slaughter age as covariate. Results for percentage meat indicate that, with exception of the rib, retail cuts from the NA breed contained a lower percentage of meat than D and SAMM breeds, particularly in the valuable loin and leg cuts. The shoulder of the NA had a lower percentage meat than that of the D. The percentage fat in retail cuts did not differ between breeds for any of the cuts. In comparison with both D and SAMM, NA contained a higher percentage bone in all cuts. Dorper and SAMM carcasses did not differ in terms of the percentage of bone, fat or muscle for any of the retail cuts. The lower meat yield, particularly in the more expensive loin and leg of the NA, when compared to the commercial meat breed (D) could make the former less preferred for meat production. However, the NA compared more favourably than the dual-purpose SAMM. Differences in carcass composition could be attributed to the fact that the NA is an unimproved and late maturing sheep breed.

Highlights

Introduction The largest part of SouthAfrica is located in either an arid or semi-arid region, limiting possible agricultural production to pastoral use (Cloete & Olivier, 2010)
Results for percentage meat indicated that the carcass of the Namaqua Afrikaner (NA) contained less (P ≤0.05) meat than D and SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) carcasses
With the exception of the rib, the retail cuts of the NA had a lower (P ≤0.05) percentage meat compared to the retail cuts of the D or SAMM (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Introduction The largest part of SouthAfrica is located in either an arid or semi-arid region, limiting possible agricultural production to pastoral use (Cloete & Olivier, 2010). Due to global weather changes tending towards a drier climate in the south-western parts of South Africa, natural food resources for livestock are forecast to diminish (Turpie et al, 2002). This changing scenario is expected to result in challenges to small stock farming as far as adaptation of animals and the sustainability of farming is concerned. During 2011, South African sheep meat (lamb and mutton) consumption was estimated at 149 000 tons. 140 000 tons were produced within South Africa, clearly indicating a demand for increased and optimised sheep meat production in South Africa (DAFF, 2012; FAO, 2012). It is evident that the local animal genetic resources should be harnessed optimally to ensure sustainable sheep meat production under variable and often adverse conditions

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Conclusion