Carcass traits and value of meat and byproducts of sheep

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the carcass traits of sheep and in total, data on 1332 sheep were collected from four states covering southern, central and northern part of India. The yield and value of carcass and byproducts of sheep were grouped under 4 different live weight categories, viz. less than 15 kg (group 1), between > 15 to < 20 kg (group 2), >20 to <25 kg (group 3) and more than 25 kg (group 4) and statewise (Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu). The results revealed that the overall live weight of sheep ranged from 12.44 to 27.69 kg and dressed carcass weight ranged from 5.63 to 13.22 kg, with dressing percentage of 46.03. Significant differences were observed in the live weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage and yield of byproducts of the sheep of different body weight groups of different states. Sheep belonging to the body weight of >15 to >20 kg were found be utilized more for mutton production (49.25%). Sheep from states like Maharashtra (20.14 kg) and Andhra Pradesh (20.24 kg) had higher overall average live weight when compared to other states. In sheep, all the byproducts except skin are utilized for human consumption and the yield of edible and inedible (skin) byproducts as percentage of live sheep weight were 43.03 and 11.00%, respectively. Among the saleable portions of sheep, 78.64-82.67% of revenue was contribute by meat, followed by edible offal (14.28-19.19%) and skin (2.17-3.05%).