The sheep meat production system contributes to the economy of sheep farmers to a greater extent. Considering the value of sheep meat, several researchers have attempted strategically to study various domains of sheep meat production and its marketing. The research on mutton production was mainly oriented to lean meat and fatty acid profile. Sheep meat marketing research has covered aspects of consumer demand and education. Studies reveal that the industrial meat production system in sheep contributes more water foot print. Researchers have also assessed the greenhouse gas emission of sheep meat production. Sheep carcass quality studies evaluated the effects of gender, production systems, body weight, age, hot and cold carcass. Sheep meat quality studies were majorly focused on the amino acid, fatty acid profiles, and sensory characteristics. Sheep meat flavor was thoroughly researched by a few investigators. The microbial profile of sheep carcass and meat indicated various microbial contaminants in the supply chain. Several antioxidants were used by researchers for improving the quality of meat and meat products. Antimicrobials such as metal oxides and essential oils were evaluated for effective sheep meat preservation. The heavy metal contaminants in sheep were also investigated by a few researchers. Different DNA and radioisotope methods have been explored for species and sex differentiation in sheep meat and meat products. The sheep meat products were assessed by researchers for various technological, nutritional, and sensory characteristics. The economic value of sheep meat by-products was calculated by researchers for their potential importance in the value chain. Parasitic meat borne diseases were found as the common zoonotic problem with sheep meat. The export potential of sheep meat and bottlenecks have also been studied by a few researchers. Overall, the broad dimensions of sheep meat research worldwide has a profound link with the economy of the nations.

To evaluate the effect of diet on results obtained by use of 2 commercial test kits for detection of occult blood in feces, 5 dogs were fed 7 diets in randomized sequence. Dry and canned diets with various principal ingredients were evaluated. Each diet was offered twice over a 24-hour period, followed by a 36-hour nonfeeding period. Fecal specimens were collected twice daily, and tests for occult blood were performed within 12 hours. The dietary origin of fecal specimens was confirmed by use of colored markers fed with each diet, and was correlated with estimates of gastrointestinal tract transit time. A modified guaiac paper test and an ortho-tolidine tablet test were performed on each specimen. Of 59 specimens, 4 were positive for occult blood, using the ortho-tolidine tablet test. Three positive results were associated with a mutton-based canned diet, and 1 positive result was associated with a canned beef-based diet. Of 59 specimens, 11 were positive for occult blood, using the modified guaiac paper test. Four positive results were associated with the mutton diet, and 3 positive results were associated with the beef diet. Of the remaining 5 diets, 4 caused 1 positive reaction. Results were inconsistent with the null hypothesis that the distribution of positive occult blood test results is not affected by diet (P < 0.025), and indicate that diet can affect the specificity of peroxidase-based tests for detection of occult blood in canine feces. Diet modification prior to testing is recommended.

In the conditions of the Republic of Belarus there were presented the results of a veterinary and sanitary assessment and bacteriological investigation of sheep slaughter products, which showed meat serviceability for consumption after application of Triclafen suspension. Application Triclafen suspension did not render negative influence on an organism of animals. It was proved by organoleptic and laboratory research of meat of slaughter animals of experimental and control groups. The meat obtained from healthy sheep which were administrated the suspension in accordance with microbiological indicators proved to be of good quality and corresponded to the established norms (Sanitary regulations and standards 11 - 63 Republic of Belarus 98): it had the general bacterial content within admissible limits and did not contain agents of anthropozoonosts, alimentary toxicosis and toxinfections and it can be sold without any restrictions.