Effect of various antibiotic applications on some chemical, microbial and physical properties of lamb

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of various application methods for a chlortetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) combinatio n (0.9 mg of each per kg of meat) on the shelf-life of lamb during storage. Twelve-fat, tail type Akkaraman male lambs were divided into four groups b y a "block assignment method". The first group was kept as the control (C), while the others were subjected to applications as "injection antemortem ( A)", "immersion (I)" and "spraying (S)". Meat samples were stored at 4C for 12 days. The specimens from loin and leg were tested for microbial, chemic al and physical criteria. The results indicated that a CTC and OTC combinat ion extended the shelf-life of lamb at 4C in an increasing order from A to S to 1. The last one may be used to extend the shelf-life of lamb during re frigerated storage.