Effect of Pre-Slaughter Age on Carcass Traits and Chemical Composition of Mutton in Deccani Sheep

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to study the effect of pre-slaughter age on carcass traits and chemical composition of mutton in Deccani sheep maintained at Network project on Sheep Improvement (Farm Based Unit), MPKV (Maharashtra) during the period of April, 2014 to June, 2015. Six Deccani lambs of 4, 5 and 6 months of age groups (two each) were selected randomly and slaughtered according to the common procedure under the federal inspection. The present study indicated that the empty weight, the dressing percentage on empty weight basis and loin eye area of lambs increased gradually with increase in age. The Chemical composition (protein, fat, and Cholesterol) of mutton of Deccani sheep was found to significantly (p<0.05) increased with advancement in the age from 4 to 6 months. Among the different primal parts, the loin part was found to have higher protein and fat (%). However, cholesterol content was lower in leg region of lamb. Therefore it may be concluded that the slaughtering of lambs at 6 months age may be preferred over 4 and 5 months.