Comparative Slaughter Performance and Meat Quality of Rutana, Gumuz and Washera Sheep of Ethiopia Supplemented with Different Levels of Concentrate

Anteneh Worku,Getnet Asefa,Getachew Animut,Mengistu Urge

doi:10.4236/ojas.2020.101005

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the carcass yield and meat quality of Rutana, Gumuz and Washera sheep of Ethiopia under two concentrate supplement levels (CSL), low (300 g/day) and high (450 g/day). The supplement contains 45% wheat bran, 26% maize grain and 29% Noug cake. A total of 36 sheep (12 from each genotype) were used in 3 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement (3 genotypes and 2 CSL) which was used in a completely randomized block design. Hay was fed ad libitum at a rate of 20% refusal. After the completion of 90 days fattening period, all sheep were slaughtered and meat sample from longissimus dorsi muscle of each animal was taken for sensory evaluation and instrumental measurement of tenderness and for color, pH, and chemical composition analysis. Slaughter body weight (SBW) (26.0 vs. 24.1 kg), hot carcass weight (HCW) (11.3 vs. 9.7 kg), dressing percentage (DP) on SBW (43.4% vs. 40.1%) and EBW basis (53.6% vs. 50.9%), and rib eye-muscle (REM) were higher for the high than low CSL. Rutana sheep had heavier HCW (11.9 kg) than Gumuz (10.1 kg) and Washera (9.4 kg) sheep. DP on EBW basis was higher for Rutana (54.7) than Washera sheep (48.1), while the value for Gumuz (50.9) was similar with both genotypes. Meat from high supplemented sheep had higher fat (9.7% vs. 8.8%), tenderness, juiciness, flavor and lower shear forces than the low level of supplementation. Most sensory parameters measured were in the order of Rutana > Gumuz > Washera sheep. It is concluded that Rutana sheep were relatively more suitable than Gumuz and Washera sheep for production of better carcass yield. The potential of Washera sheep to produce more carcass yield relative to their HCW, SBW and EBW was comparable with that of Gumuz sheep.

Highlights

Ethiopia is believed to be one of the major gateways for domestic sheep migration from Asia into Africa [1]
After the completion of 90 days fattening period, all sheep were slaughtered and meat sample from longissimus dorsi muscle of each animal was taken for sensory evaluation and instrumental measurement of tenderness and for color, pH, and chemical composition analysis
dressing percentage (DP) on empty body weight (EBW) basis was higher for Rutana (54.7) than Washera sheep (48.1), while the value for Gumuz (50.9) was similar with both genotypes

Summary

Introduction

Ethiopia is believed to be one of the major gateways for domestic sheep migration from Asia into Africa [1]. In Ethiopia major groups are classified into four namely; short fat-tailed sheep, long fat-tailed, fat-rumped sheep, thin-tailed sheep [5]. Gumuz and Rutana sheep breeds are categorized under the thin-tailed sheep whereas Washera sheep is categorized under short fat-tailed sheep [5]. Washera sheep has fast growth rate under harsh circumstances [7]. Gumuz breed is the most preferred breed because of its adaptation to hot climate, faster growth and higher prolificacy [8]. Rutana is a desert sheep in the Sudan and is kept mainly for meat production, and is preferred in the border markets in western Ethiopia for export due to its higher growth potential and big size [6] [9]

Objectives

Findings

Methods

Conclusion