Carcass Joints Research Articles

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goat kids according to the Colomer – Rocher carcass fatness and conformation classes

Classifying kid carcasses according to their fatness and conformation scores guides producers toward higher quality and income-generating production methods and determines the ideal slaughter time. This study aimed to determine the effects of Colomer–Rocher fatness and conformation classes on carcass and meat quality characteristics in goat kids. A total of 102 male kid carcasses were used in the study. Carcasses were divided into fatness (1-, 1, 1+, 2-) and conformation (P-, P, P+; O-) classes according to the Colomer–Rocher classification, and these groups were accepted as the experimental group. Hierarchical clustering analysis divided the kid carcasses into 5 clusters using certain carcass characteristics. Differences between clusters in most of the carcass characteristics were significant. The difference between the cluster groups in terms of meat colour and sensory characteristics was also significant. Fatness and conformation classes significantly affected most characteristics except kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF) percentages and carcass joints percentages. The Colomer-Rocher conformation classification was found to be more discriminatory in terms of meat quality than the fatness classification.

Variation in the number of thoracolumbar vertebrae in Suffolk lambs and its effect on the weight and zoometric measurements of the carcass

ABSTRACT The objective was to determine the variation in the number of thoracolumbar (TL) vertebrae and its effect on size and weight of the carcass, as well as weight of joints in Suffolk lambs. The vertebral number was determined by means of radiographs in 51 lambs, and its formulas by means of the thoracolumbar sum. The carcasses were weighed at slaughter, the joints and the zoometric measurements were made the following day. There is variation in the thoracolumbar number with respect to the ancestral number TL19, finding TL20 and TL21, observing 4 different formulas, one ancestral T13L6 (19.6%), and three multivertebral T13L7 (70.6%), T14L6 (5.9%) and T14L7 (3.9%). TL21 (T14L7) lambs produce carcasses 4.4 kg heavier and 6.14 cm longer than TL19, and 3.9 kg heavier and 5.24 cm longer than TL20. The weights of the carcass joints of multivertebrae lambs were heavier than those obtained from those with ancestral number.

Evaluation of the functionality of EUROP carcass classification system in thin-tailed and fat-tailed lambs

Aim of study was to investigate the relationship of EUROP carcass fatness and conformation classes with carcass and meat quality characteristics in thin-tailed (Kivircik) and a fat-tailed (Kangal Akkaraman) lambs. A total of 96 lamb carcasses (48 Kivircik and 48 Kangal Akkaraman breed) were examined. Distribution of carcasses in conformation and fatness classes were more limited in Kangal Akkaraman carcasses. More accurate predictions were obtained in Kivircik lambs compared to Kangal Akkaraman lambs in terms of backfat thickness, kidney knob and channel fat percentage, longissimus thoracis muscle area, weights of high-value carcass joints, weights of tissues in the hind limb and muscle/bone ratio. EUROP classification system was not appropriate for predicting meat quality in thin-tailed and fat-tailed lambs. The combination of EUROP fatness and conformation classes with cold carcass weight can be used to predict weights of high-value carcass joints and weights of hind limb tissues.

Effects of distillated myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) leaves’ intake on cull ewes’ body weight gain, carcass composition and meat quality

Aim of study: Cull ewes are characterized by poor body condition, low body weights and tough meat texture. This work aimed to investigate the effect of distillated myrtle leaves (MDL) intake on body weight (BW) gain; carcass characteristics and meat quality of Barbarine cull ewes.Area of study: Northwest of TunisiaMaterial and methods: 27 Barbarine ewes were assigned into 3 groups receiving 500 g of oat hay and 750 g of concentrate control group (C), while they were given concentrate and pellets, containing 87% MDL, as substitute to hay in MHay group; for MConc group, they were fed hay, concentrate and pellets containing 30% MDL in partial substitution to concentrate. At the end of the fattening period (90 days), ewes were slaughtered.Main results: The dry matter intake was higher (p<0.05) for MConc and C groups. The average daily gain was significantly higher for C and MConc than MHay groups (113 and 107 vs. 87 g, respectively). Ewes fed MHay and MConc had a significantly lower feed conversion rate than Control group (12.5 vs. 15.4). Dietary treatment had no significant effect on carcass joint’s weight and proportions. The dressing percentage and carcass tissue composition were similar for all groups. The ultimate pH, water cooking loss and color parameters values were unaffected by the type of diet.Research highlights: These findings revealed that MDL could substitute, in ewes feeding, up to 87% to hay or up to 30% to concentrate without negative effects on body weight, carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Prediction of carcass composition of lambs by joint dissection and carcass traits

The aim of the study was to test the possibility of using carcass measurements and joint tissue composition to predict the half-carcass tissue composition of lambs more accurately. With this purpose in mind, 6 different carcass joints (neck, flank, shoulder, ribs, hind limb, and tail) from 42 Kıvırcık male lambs were dissected. In addition, various carcass characteristics were recorded. When carcass characteristics and measurements were used alone in the prediction equations, accuracy (between 37%–68%) was similar to the equations that included only joint dissections (36%–75%). However, when joint dissection and various carcass traits were combined, half-carcass tissue composition was predicted more accurately (65%–90%) than in measures using either joint dissection or various carcass traits alone. Flank was the most successful predictive joint for prediction of muscle weight, when combined with some carcass traits, while the equation built with hind limb and various carcass traits was most successful for predicting total fat weight. Carcass traits yielded accuracy that was similar to joint dissection results, especially for muscle and total fat weights. Therefore, for these parameters, carcass traits are preferred as this measure is cost-effective, noninvasive, and practical. However, for greater accuracy, joint dissection and various carcass characteristics and measurements should be combined

Comparison of the decision tree, artificial neural network and multiple regression methods for prediction of carcass tissues composition of goat kids

The aim of this study was to predict carcass tissue composition of goat kids using the decision tree with CHAID algorithm (DT) and artificial neural network (ANN) method in comparison with classical step-wise regression (SWR) analyse. Data were obtained from 57 goat kids of Gokceada breed. Predictor variables were pre-slaughter weight, several carcass measurements and indices, weights of different carcass joints and dressing percentage. R2 values ranging from 0.212 to 0.371 indicating low to moderate accuracy were obtained for predicting muscle proportion. DT and ANN yielded similar R2 values for predicting bone proportion. DT was the best prediction method for estimating proportions of subcutaneous fat (R2 = 0.828) and intermuscular fat (R2 = 0.789). According to DT analyses, cold carcass weight was the most important factor influencing bone proportion, while kidney knob and channel fat weight was the predominant factor influencing subcutaneous, intermuscular and total fat proportions. Consequently, the use of DT method can be considered to predict carcass fat proportions.

Influence du type génétique sur la composition corporelle et la qualité de la viande des ovins élevés dans les systèmes d’élevage traditionnels

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil fermentativo, as perdas e a composição química da silagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã com diferentes aditivos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições por tratamento e cinco tratamentos com diferentes aditivos, como segue: T1- controle sem aditivos; T2 - inoculante microbiano SiloMax Centurium (Matsuda); T3 - inoculante ênzimo microbiano Sil All C4 (Alltech do Brasil); T4 - fubá de milho (100 g kg-1 na matéria natural) e T5 - glicerina bruta (100 g kg-1 na matéria natural), totalizando 20 silos experimentais. A adição de fubá de milho elevou os teores de matéria seca (MS) e carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF) com diminuição na fibra em detergente neutro (FDN). A maior perda de MS total (124,7 g kg-1) foi observado para a silagem sem aditivos, enquanto que a adição de fubá de milho reduziu as perdas de MS total (32,2 g kg-1). Os menores valores de pH foram observados nas silagens com fubá de milho e acidez titulável e os mais elevados nas silagens com glicerina bruta, bem como uma maior produção de ácido láctico. Recomenda-se a inclusão de fubá de milho em 100 g kg-1 de matéria natural, uma vez que fornece um melhor perfil fermentativo e composição química, além de reduzir as perdas de MS. Além disso, a inclusão de glicerina em 100 g kg-1 de matéria fresca mostrou-se como um aditivo com potencial de utilização.

Effect of Vasectomy and / or Adding Cuminum cyminum Seeds in the diet of Awassi Ram Lambs on their Carcasses Traits

This experiment was carried out at Animal Farm, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baghdad University, from Mar. up to Sept. 2010. Twenty eight Awassi ram lambs of 4-5 months old were equally divided into four groups of similar body weight and fed 2% of concentrate diet of body weight with grazing for 3-4 hours a day. The first group (C) and the third group (V) were fed concentrate diet free of cumin seeds; while the second group (CU) and the fourth group (CV) were fed the same amount of concentrate diet contain 3% of cumin seeds. All animals were grazed daily for 3-4 hours as one group. The third and the fourth groups were vasectomized by close vasectomy operation at the beginning of the experiment. The results revealed that cumin seeds used as feed additives for Awassi ram lambs caused significant (P<0.05) increase in live animal body weight, fasting and empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weights also it had an effect on carcass measurements, empty digestive and stomach weight, most carcass joints weight, rib eye muscle area, Longismus dorsi weight, lean and fat weight in the rack joint compare with the control group. However vasectomy had significant (P<0.05) increase in the body weight, fasting, empty and hot and cold carcass weight, the weight of pelt, full and empty digestive system, most of joint weights, fat tail, fat weight of the rack joint, while the 4th group showed higher values than the most carcass traits compared with the 2nd and 3rd groups and significantly (P<0.05) higher than the control group (1st group). It is concluded that vasectomy and cumin seeds have positive effect on lamb performance and carcass traits. Cumin seeds can be used as effective and cheep feed additives. Further studied are required to prove the suitable ratio of cumin seeds addition alongside with castration in other farm animals.

Growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of lambs produced from Dorper sheep crossed with Santa Inês or Brazilian Somali sheep

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of crossbred lambs of Dorper sheep crossed with Santa Inês or Brazilian Somali sheep and raised under an intensive production system in the northeastern region of Brazil. A total of ten non-castrated male lambs of each genetic group were used in this trial under a fully randomized design. The lambs were housed and creep fed until weaning at 60 days of age. After weaning, they were sent to a feedlot for finishing with a high energetic diet until slaughter, which occurred when they reached 3mm of subcutaneous fat thickness. The crossbred Santa Inês lambs exhibited a higher daily gain (0.3kg/day) than the Brazilian Somali crossbred lambs, which were more precocious in reaching the slaughter fat thickness (118 days). Significant differences were observed between the genetic groups for the hot carcass weight, carcass shrink, and measurements of the rib eye area, the carcass and leg compactness indexes and the weight of the carcass joints. However, no significant differences were found for the amount of lean meat per cold carcass weight unity and the yield of retail cuts. The crossbred Brazilian Somali lambs presented a higher amount of fat per cold carcass weight unity (26mm/100kg) than the Santa Inês lambs. According to the results obtained and under the described experimental conditions, it may be concluded that at the same maturity level, the growth performance, the age at slaughter and the main carcass characteristics vary with the genetic group, making possible the use of local sheep breeds to meet efficiently the needs of different markets.

Carcass quality characteristics of Hair Goat and Saanen × Hair Goat crossbred kids from intensive production system

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of crossbreeding indigenous Hair Goat with Saanen on carcass quality characteristics of kids under an intensive production system. Twenty four male kids from purebred Hair Goat and Saanen × Hair Goat (F 1 and B 1 ) crossbred genotypes were weaned at 75-80 days of age and fattened for 56 days. Slaughter weights were 17.42, 18.22 and 16.79 kg and chilled carcass weights were 6.49, 7.29 and 6.69 kg for Hair Goat, F 1 and B 1 , respectively. The organ weights, dressing percentages, M. longissimus dorsi area, fatness parameters, carcass measurements, subcutaneous fat colour, carcass joint weights and percentages and dissected leg compositions of kids were similar (P>0.05) in genotype groups. It is concluded that crossbreeding indigenous Hair Goat with Saanen at F 1 and B 1 levels did not result in any improvement in quality carcass production of kids under an intensive production system.

Correlative responses for carcass and meat quality traits to selection for ovulation rate or prenatal survival in French Large White pigs1

Correlated effects of selection for components of litter size on carcass and meat quality traits were estimated using data from 3 lines of pigs derived from the same Large White base population. Two lines were selected for 6 generations on high ovulation rate at puberty (OR) or high prenatal survival corrected for ovulation rate in the first 2 parities (PS). The third line was an unselected control (CON). The 3 lines were kept for a 7th generation, but without any selection. Carcass and meat quality traits were recorded on the 5th to 7th generation of the experiment. Carcass traits included dressing percentage, carcass length (LGTH), average backfat thickness (ABT), estimated lean meat content, and 8 carcass joint weight traits. Meat quality traits included pH recorded 24 h after slaughter (pH24) of LM, gluteus superficialis (GS), biceps femoris (BF), and adductor femoris (AD) muscles, as well as reflectance and water-holding capacity (WHC) of GS and BF muscles. Heritabilities of carcass and meat quality traits and their genetic correlations with OR and PS were estimated using REML methodology applied to a multiple trait animal model. Correlated responses to selection were then estimated by computing differences between OR or PS and CON lines at generations 5 to 7 using least squares and mixed model methodology. Heritability (h(2)) estimates were 0.08 +/- 0.04, 0.58 +/- 0.10, 0.70 +/- 0.10, and 0.74 +/- 0.10 for dressing percentage, LGTH, ABT, and lean meat content, respectively, ranged from 0.28 to 0.72 for carcass joint traits, from 0.28 to 0.45 for pH24 and reflectance measurements, and from 0.03 to 0.11 for WHC measurements. Both OR and PS had weak genetic correlations with carcass (r(G) = -0.09 to 0.17) and most meat quality traits. Selection for OR did not affect any carcass composition or meat quality trait. Correlated responses to selection for PS were also limited, with the exception of a decrease in pH24 of GS and BF muscles (-0.12 to -0.14 after 6 generations; P < 0.05), in WHC of GS muscle (-18.9 s after 6 generations; P < 0.05) and a tendency toward an increase in loin weight (0.44 kg after 6 generations; P < 0.10) .

Evaluation of Video Image Analysis (VIA) technology to predict meat yield of sheep carcasses on-line under UK abattoir conditions

The Meat and Livestock Commission’s (MLC) EUROP classification based scheme and Video Image Analysis (VIA) system were compared in their ability to predict weights of primal carcass joints. A total of 443 commercial lamb carcasses under 12 months of age and mixed gender were selected by their cold carcass weight (CCW), conformation and fat scores. Lamb carcasses were classified for conformation and fatness, scanned by the VIA system and dissected into primal joints of leg, chump, loin, breast and shoulder. After adjustment for CCW, the estimation of primal joints using MLC EUROP scores showed high coefficients of determination ( R 2) in the range of 0.82–0.99. The use of VIA always resulted in equal or higher R 2. The precision measured as root mean square error (RMSE) was 27% (leg), 13% (chump), 1% (loin), 11% (breast), 5% (shoulders) and 13% (total primals) higher using VIA than MLC carcass information. Adjustment for slaughter day and gender effects indicated that estimations of primal joints using MLC EUROP scores were more sensitive to these factors than using VIA. This was consistent with an increase in stability of the prediction model of 28%, 11%, 2%, 12%, 6% and 14% for leg, chump, loin, breast and shoulder and total primals, respectively, using VIA compared to MLC EUROP scores. Consequently, VIA was capable of improving the prediction of primal meat yields compared to the current MLC EUROP carcass classification scheme used in the UK abattoirs.

Genetic parameters for carcass composition and performance data in crossbred lambs measured by Video Image Analysis

A total of 7074 crossbred lambs, produced by mating crossbred Mule ewes with terminal sire rams were used in this study. Of these, 630 were scanned using a Video Image Analysis (VIA) to estimate carcass quality traits. Genetic parameters for average daily gain (ADG), scanning live weight (SW), ultrasonic measures of muscle (UMD) and fat (UFD) depths, cold carcass weight (CCW) and VIA measurements of primal carcass joint weights (LEG, CHUMP, LOIN, BREAST and SHOULDER) were estimated using multivariate animal models. Additionally, VIA traits were evaluated under a repeatability model, considering the primal joints as repeated measures of the same trait. Direct heritability estimates were low to moderate (0.08–0.26) for VIA measurements of primal joints. Repeatability estimates for VIA traits were high (>0.90). Moderate to high heritability estimates (0.25–0.55) were found for performance traits (ADG, SW, UMD and UFD) and CCW. Genetic correlations between VIA traits and ADG were strong (0.75–0.93). Most of the VIA traits were highly correlated to SW (0.60–0.97). UFD was significantly negatively correlated with UMD (−0.22), ADG (−0.18) and CCW (−0.18). The results of this study suggest that selection on performance and carcass traits, measured by VIA, could possibly improve primal meat yield of carcass cuts without increasing the overall carcass fatness. High repeatability estimates of VIA traits and moderate heritabilities of the most valuable carcass joints suggests that including VIA information in breeding programs would be useful in order to improve carcass quality.

Live weight and sex effects on carcass and meat quality of “Borrego terrincho–PDO” suckling lambs

Fifty seven suckling lambs (28 males and 29 females) of the Churra da Terra Quente breed were used to evaluate the effects of live weight and sex on carcass composition and meat quality traits. Lambs were slaughtered at three weight classes (<8 kg, 8–11 kg and >11 kg) according to “Borrego Terrincho–PDO” specifications. The left sides of the carcasses were totally dissected. The longissimus thoracis and lumborum muscle was used for meat quality determination. Dressing proportion and carcass fatness were not affected by weight class or sex. Muscle proportion was similar in all carcass joints for the three weight classes. The percentage of bone decreased at the higher weight class, while that of subcutaneous and intermuscular fat increased. Female lambs had higher muscle proportions and greater muscle/bone ratios in the carcass side than males. Muscle pH, colour, cooking losses and tenderness were not affected by gender and weight class. Female lambs and weight classes 8–11 kg and >11 kg had higher proportions of intramuscular fat.

Use of weaning concentrate in the feeding of suckling kids: Effects on meat quality

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of a feeding supplementation with starter concentrate on “Capretto” meat production and its qualitative characteristics. To this end, 31 Girgentana kids, slaughtered at 59 days of age from two feeding groups (concentrate group (CG) and milk group (MG)) were utilised. Carcass measurements (body components, carcass joints, pelvic limb tissue composition, meat fatty acid composition and M. longissimus dorsi (LD) physical characteristics), body weight at birth, and at slaughter, were evaluated. The effect of concentrate supplementation did not influence the slaughter weight, slaughter and dissection data, tissue composition and meat chemical composition of the pelvic limb, and no differences were found for rheological characteristics of LD meat, except cohesiveness values, which were higher ( P < 0.05) in the CG kids. The effect of concentrate supplementation determined a significant variation of saturated fatty acids, which resulted higher for MG kids (41.77% versus 38.43%; P ≤ 0.05). In fact, goat milk had an unsaturated fatty acids (UFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio that was 0.25 lower than the fatty acid composition of concentrate (0.84). Litter size (single or twin) influenced many of the parameters studied statistically, probably because of the greater body weight of the single kids.

The relationship between body dimensions of living pigs and their carcass composition

Recent analysis pointed towards visual imaging analysis (VIA), which yields pig body size measures and shape indices from two-dimensional visual images of living pigs, as a potential technique for estimating fat and lean content in pig carcasses (Doeschl et al., 2004). The present analysis further explored the potential of using VIA body size and shape indices as indicators of the proportion of lean and fat in various carcass joints, either alone or in combination with ultrasonic backfat depth of the live animal. Due to increasing interest in the shape of retail cuts in the meat industry, the association between VIA size measures and the dimensions of the longissimus dorsi and gluteobiceps muscles is also assessed.

Carcass conformation and joints composition of Churra Galega Bragançana and crossbred lambs by Suffolk and Merino Precoce sire breeds

Carcasses of Churro Galego Bragançano purebred and Suffolk and Merino Precoce crossbred lambs reared under three different conventional production system of northeast of Portugal were evaluated. Carcasses of male lambs had larger muscle longissimus width (P &lt; 0.05) and smaller subcutaneous fat thickness (P &lt; 0.05) than the female lambs. Carcasses of crossbred lambs had higher (P &lt; 0.05) compactness indices and leg and shoulder proportion than Bragançano purebred. Suffolk crossed had lower KKCF proportion (P &lt; 0.05) than Bragançano and Merino crossbred lambs. Male lambs had higher (P &lt; 0.05) muscle proportion in almost all carcass joints than the female lambs. It was concluded that Suffolk can be used as sire breed in Bragançano ewes to produce lambs with leaner and more compact carcasses and better fat distribution, which allows slaughtering at higher slaughter weight, specially in more intensive production systems. Female lambs should be slaughtered at lower carcass weight than male lambs in order to produce carcasses with the same fattening degree.

Effects of litter size and sex on meat quality traits of kid meat

The influence of litter size and sex on meat quality traits was investigated using 40 Nebrodi kids slaughtered at 47 days of age. Carcass measurements (body components, carcass joints, pelvic limb tissue composition, meat fatty acid composition and M. longissimus dorsi (LD) colour), body weight at birth and at slaughter were evaluated. Nebrodi kids had a low body weight at birth, with significant differences between male and female (4.1 kg versus 3.9 kg) and between single and twin (4.2 kg versus 3.8 kg). Male kids were heavier at birth and at slaughter, however, females had a higher percentage of kidney and pelvic fat (2.1% versus 1.5% of the right side; P<0.01). Both males and females, on the contrary, were similar in fat percentage for pelvic limb (11.4% versus 11.6%) and chemical composition of meat (5.1% versus 4.9%). The fatty acid composition of fat in the pelvic limb was not influenced by the animals’ sex, but single kids presented higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than twin kids (5.7 g versus 5.4 g/100 g of meat fat; P<0.05). Physical characteristics and colorimetric parameters of longissimus dorsi muscle were not influenced by sex and litter size. Female kids showed a significantly higher cooking loss (16.5% versus 14.9%) and lower pH than male kids (5.5 versus 5.69); twin kids showed light coloured meat than single kids (51.8 versus 49.3; P<0.01). The meat of Nebrodi kids has desirable qualitative characteristics and, on the basis of this it is possible to consider it to be of high quality.

The influence of age at slaughter and litter size on some quality traits of kid meat

To study variations in the carcass characteristics of Girgentana kids slaughtered at 25 or 35 days of age and litter size (single or twin), 27 male kids were slaughtered and body components, carcass joints, pelvic limb tissue composition, meat fatty acid composition and M. longissimus dorsi (LD) colour were evaluated. Girgentana kids slaughtered at 35 days had greater live weights (6.4 kg versus 5.0 kg; P≤0.01), carcass weights (4.5 kg versus 3.6 kg; P≤0.01), muscle contents (57.6% versus 54.9%; P≤0.01) but similar dressing percentages (70.1% versus 70.6%) as compared to kids slaughtered at 25 days. Twin kids had a higher muscle percentage (57.3% versus 55.2%; P≤0.05) and similar fat percentage (5.5% versus 6.0%) but a higher unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio (1.17 versus 1.01; P≤0.05). Meat colour was not influenced by any factors considered.

Effect of Clenbuterol on II. Carcass Joints and Muscle Composition in Lambs

Effect of Clenbuterol on II. Carcass Joints and Muscle Composition in Lambs