BREED EFFECT ON CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY OF SUCKLING LAMBS

The influence of breed on carcase and meat quality traits was studied in 48 suckling lambs (approximately I month old) from the Churra, Cast ellana and Manchega Spanish breeds and Awassi crosses. Carcase quality traits were determined by visual assessment and objective measurement s. Meat quality was assessed by instrumental and sensory analysis. Bre ed effect was significant for fatness, carcase conformation and fat co lour (visual indicators); dressing %, carcase weight, carcase length, buttock and chest measurements, and lean and fat proportions in the le ft half of the carcase. A significant breed effect was observed for so me instrumental measurements of meat quality (meat colour and cooking losses), and for some sensorial attributes (tenderness and juiciness). These results suggest that there is a measurable effect of breed on b oth carcase and meat quality traits in this type of young suckling lam b, owing to differences in precocity and inherent productive capabilit ies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.