Effect of Finnish Landrace and Galway Breeds on Carcass Composition, Fat Distribution and Fatty Acid Composition of Different Fat Depots in Lambs

Abstract

The effect of the Finnish Landrace (Finn) breed on carcass composition was examined by comparing male progeny of Galway ewes which had been mated with either Finn, Galway or Fingalway (½h Finn x ½ Galway) rams. Lambs were slaughtered at two weights (16.0 kg and 19.5 kg carcass weight, approximately) and the chemical composition of the meat from the 7 — 12th rib joint was used as an index of carcass composition. Finn ancestry increased the fat content (P<0.01). Because of evidence from other workers that breeds can differ substantially in fat distribution a second experiment was conducted to examine the effect of breed on prediction equations relating carcass composition with sample joint composition. Breed differences were significant for equations relating half-carcass composition with the fat content of the 7 — 12th rib joint or with the weight of the kidney knob plus channel fat (KKCF). Using the appropriate within breed prediction equations and sample joint composition data from the first experiment the carcass composition was estimated for all lambs. While the effects of Finn ancestry were reduced the progeny of Finn rams were still; significantly fatter.