Influence of sex, slaughter weight and carcass weight on “non-carcass” and carcass quality in segure˜na lambs

The effects of sex, slaughter weight and carcass weight on carcass characteristics and meat quality traits were evaluated using 100 Segure˜na lambs. The management of all lambs was similar prior to slaughter at 19–25 kg. Slaughtered animals with a hot carcass weight below 20 kg were assigned to class B, and those greater than 22 kg to class C. Carcass weight had a significant influence on “non-carcass” components, dressing percentage, subjective carcass conformation, fat deposits, carcass fatness, bone and most carcass measurements. Sex had a significant effect on age at slaughter, “non-carcass” components, rib measurements, dressing percentage, fat deposits, and neck and shoulder percentage. As the weight increased, the carcass measurements also increased. Concurrently, while improving the conformation indices of the carcass, leg and dressing percentages, neither the commercial cuts of the animal nor tissue composition was significantly affected. Sex primarily affected the quantity of all types of fat deposits. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.