Parameters of Carcass Cuts and Measurements of Martinik Lambs Managed under Intensive Conditions
2008
G. Alexandre | B. Bocage | O. Coppry | J. L. Weisbecker | M. Mahieu | H. Archimède
The Martinik sheep is selected for its good adaptive and reproductive traits. The production sector reproaches it with low carcass conformation, although its carcasses have been little described. Two intensive fattening experiments were conducted, whereby lambs were slaughtered for linear measurements and cuts. The variables were analyzed and allometric equations were determined. The database (n = 43) was adjusted for feeding levels and slaughter weight groups (SW: 28, 32 and 36 kg). Mean cold carcass (CC) weights varied (P < 0.05) from 11.7 to 15.6 kg. Carcass yields were on average 59% (P > 0.05). The weights of all carcass cuts significantly (P < 0.01) increased with CC increase. Shoulders and legs represented 18 and 34% of CC, respectively. Various measurements taken on the carcass and pelvis width significantly increased (P < 0.05) with CC increase (near 9% difference between extreme weights). Indices of carcass and leg compactness (0.32 and 0.45, respectively) did not vary with SW, whereas weight indices did. Allometric coefficients of the shoulder (0.915) and leg (0.891) were in line with those of the literature. This preliminary description of Martinik sheep carcasses could be made available to the sector actors in order to pursue the work and help to better select breeds and management systems.
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