Generalized procrustes analysis (GPA) as a tool to discriminate among sheep breeds

María Jesús Alcalde,Isabel Moreno-Indias,Manuel Juárez,Antonio Molina,Alberto Horcada

doi:10.7482/0003-9438-57-028

Abstract

Abstract. Forty male lambs of five Southern Spanish breeds were used to study the effects of the breed in their sensorial characteristics. The used breeds were: Segureña, Spanish Merino, Grazalema Merino, Churra Lebrijana and Montesina breeds. Milk lambs were slaughtered at 12 kg of live weight. A descriptive sensory evaluation was developed using the longissimus lumborum from each animal by a panel of 12 experts and a Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) was used to discriminate among them. Generalized Procrustes Analysis clearly differentiated Churra Lebrijana of out the rest breeds. Churra Lebrijana was defined as more tender, juicier and with less lamb odour than the rest of the Southern Spanish lamb breeds. Thus, GPA is able to discriminate among breeds.

Highlights

Labelled meats are perceived by the consumers as healthy food, if it is possible to associate them to the breed and the rearing land (Dias et al 2008)
The residuals by object (Table 2) showed that the higher consensus was reached around Churra Lebrijana (CL) followed by MO
Martínez-Cerezo et al (2005a) found that the breed had a significant effect on the physicochemical characteristics of lamb meat and should be considered in programs to improve meat quality

Summary

Introduction

Labelled meats are perceived by the consumers as healthy food, if it is possible to associate them to the breed and the rearing land (Dias et al 2008). Spanish consumers show great interest in origin-linked products, since they associate these products with highquality, healthy foods (MAGRAMA 2014). In this way, since the implementation of the labelled meat under »Protected Geographical Indicators«, producers were encouraged to continue producing according to the traditional methods, because products are better accepted by the consumers. Native breeds are important for the development of their rearing areas and the producers developed strategies to use local resources, and make their production sustainable. As an alternative to promote those native breeds’ production, one or more quality labels could be developed to reinforce their position in the market

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion