Abstract
This study compared growth rates, carcass, and meat quality obtained from 24 male crossbred donkey foals reared for meat production under an intensive (I) or extensive (E) feeding system. Donkeys were slaughtered at 16 months of age; the average final body weight, hot and cold carcass weight, and hot and cold dressing percentage were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the I group. Samples of Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum (LTL) were taken from each foal for chemical and physical analysis. Group I showed significant (p < 0.05) higher intramuscular fat, while the E group showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) contents, including n-3 essential fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) and glycogen were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the intensive system, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were significantly higher in the extensive system. The ratio PUFA/SFA was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group E. The Thrombogenic Index (TI) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the I group. Meat tenderness was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group I. The feeding system had no effect on cholesterol content and meat color characteristics. Donkeys average daily gain, carcass weight, and some meat quality parameters were significantly affected by the rearing system.
Highlights
The development of modern farming techniques, including the increase of motorized vehicles, caused a marked decrease in the use of donkeys as beasts of burden, basically employed in the transportation of goods and people [1,2]
Growth rates registered in this study were significantly higher (p < 0.01) for the intensive system; the foal’s growth obtained in this study was similar to the results determined on donkey foals slaughtered at 12 and 18 months of age [22]
Both hot (139.1 ± 11.4 kg) and cold carcass weight (136.9 ± 6.23 kg) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to the results registered in the extensive system
Summary
The development of modern farming techniques, including the increase of motorized vehicles, caused a marked decrease in the use of donkeys as beasts of burden, basically employed in the transportation of goods and people [1,2]. About 44 million donkeys are registered worldwide (Table 1). More than 60% are reared in Africa and Asia. There are 189 donkey breeds worldwide (more than 50 breeds in Europe [3,4]), showing different body weights (from 80 to 480 kg). Among the smallest breeds are the Mediterranean. Miniature Donkey, and among the largest is the American Mammoth Jackstock. Miniature Donkey, and among the largest is the American Mammoth Jackstock. iations.
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