Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate, for the first time, the qualitative, objective and subjective characteristics of the carcass and meat of the Beni-Guil sheep breed, originating in Eastern Morocco. The study was conducted with 105 ewes and ewe lambs with a mean age of 21.5 months (8–36 months), and a mean weight of 32.55 kg. pH measurements were taken one hour and 24 hours after slaughter. The mean values obtained were 6.76 and 5.78, respectively. The mean hot (HCW) and cold (CCW) carcass weights and corresponding yields were 15.82 kg (48.6%) and 15.52 kg (47.7%), respectively. Shrinkage loss was 1.9%. Linear measurements showed that the Beni-Guil had a mean carcass length (K) and width (G) of 63.7 and 17.3 cm, respectively, with a carcass compactness index 1 (G/K) and 2 (CCW/K) of 0.27 and 243.60 g/cm, respectively. Finally, according to the EUROP sheep carcass classification grid, the carcasses examined showed conformations between fairly good (O) and good (R), a bright red color, a firm white fat cover, and a fatness score of 3.42. The results highlighted the characteristics of the Beni-Guil ewe carcass, which are sought by professionals and consumers.
Highlights
In Morocco, the livestock sector is an essential asset in terms of agricultural turnover
The highlands of Eastern Morocco are covered with a steppe ecosystem
Animals in Eastern Morocco are mainly reared on natural highlands in an arid to semi-arid environment
Summary
In Morocco, the livestock sector is an essential asset in terms of agricultural turnover. It plays a very important role in rural socioeconomic development including food supply, employment, soil fertilization, and crop production. The Moroccan national sheep flock is estimated at 29 million head (HCP, 2017) among which 99% depends essentially on pastures and fallows (Boujenane, 2005). Sheep meat production is estimated at 130,000 tons/year, representing 11% of the total national meat production (HCP, 2017). The highlands of Eastern Morocco are covered with a steppe ecosystem. In this region, sheep breeding represents the main agricultural activity that accounts for more than 17% of the Moroccan ruminant population (Boulanouar and Paquay, 2006). The production system is a semi-extensive to extensive system, based on pastoralism with transhumance practice, grazing sites being typically lowlands in winter and highlands in summer
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