Carcass Characteristics of Boer x Malawi Crossbred Goats at Different Slaughter Weights

Abstract

The developmental patterns of carcass traits were studied in _ and 3/4 Boer x Malawi crossbred goats slaughtered at 30, 35 and 40 kg live weights. Empty body, hot and cold carclass weights, and head proportions differed among the three slaughter groups. There were no significant differences in carcass and total internal fat proportions among slaughter groups or between genotypes. Leg length and circumference were different among all groups, being higher (P<0.05) in goats slaughtered at heavier weights. However, lean to bone, lean+fat to bone ratios were higher (P<0.05) in goats slaughtered at 40 and 35 kg than 30 kg. Dressing out percentage increased significantly from 47.77% in the 30 kg to 52.88% in the 40 kg group. The total weight of edible and seleable components (portions) also differed among the groups. There were no significan t differences in skin, feet, edible, and seable proportions, and rib eye muscle among slaughter groups. There were also no differences in carcass characteristics between the two genotypes. It is concluded that it is possible to raise Boer x Malawi crossbred goats to higher slaughter weights to realise heavier carcasses with higher meat yields, which can contribute to increased animal protein availability and income per animal.

UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol 3 (1) 1999: pp 103-108