Abstract
In order to describe the effects of origin (Mexico and United States of America), sex, age at slaughter (AS, 4categories), body condition score (BCS, 5 categories) and slaughter weight (SW, 4 categories) on carcass characteristics of culled quarter horses, data from 235 horses sacrificed in the same slaughter facility within a 150 days period wereanalyzed. Overall, 74.5% were from the US, 80% were < 15 years of age and had BCS ≤ 4, and sex proportion was similar(51.5% female vs 48.5% males). Horses from USA had heavierSW (27%), leg circumference (4%), carcass weight (4.2%) and carcass yield (2.9%). Sex did not affect any characteristics evaluated. Horses from 3 to 8 years had greater rib eye area(REA) and backfat thickness. Except for leg length, as BCS and SW improved, all carcass characteristics linearly increased as BCS and SW increased. It is concluded that origin, sex, and age, explained very little on the carcass characteristics. The slaughter weight mainly explained changes in linear measures,carcass weight, and compact index, while BCS mainly explained carcass yield and REA.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
